Keeping blood pressure under control is one of the most important forms of cardiovascular risk prevention, and therefore attention to one’s state of health.
Blood pressure is that exerted by the blood, pumped forcefully by the heart, on the wall of the arteries that distribute the blood itself in the body. Because the heart beats at regular intervals, it is possible to distinguish a “maximum” or “systolic” pressure, corresponding to the time when the heart pumps blood into the arteries, and a “minimum” or “diastolic” pressure, which corresponds to the pressure that remains in the arteries when the heart recharges with blood for the next beat.
Pressure and cardiovascular disease
The risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases with increasing blood pressure values.
According to a classification of the WHO (World Health Organization) in adults the values of the maximum pressure must remain below 140 mmHg, those of the minimum below 90 mmHg (ie 140/90). Higher values indicate more or less severe degrees of hypertension.
Measuring blood pressure is also important because in most people the reasons for the increase in blood pressure values are not known: in these cases we speak of primary or essential hypertension. On the other hand, some risk factors are known, such as overweight, the use of certain drugs, heredity.
To check blood pressure regularly, self-measuring devices are commercially available that allow automatic and semi-automatic measurement of values. Alternatively you can go to the pharmacy.
Beware of sodium
Nutrition plays an important role in the fight against hypertension. The diet should preferably be low in salt: following a diet with little sodium is one of the main recommendations of specialists.
To do this it is necessary to take into account that one gram of table salt contains 400 mg of sodium, so a pinch of salt provides about one gram of sodium, a teaspoon provides five and a handful thirty.
The salt in the recipes can also be replaced by low-sodium products or by various aromas and spices, such as aromatic herbs, chilli, garlic etc.
Packaged products are also often high in sodium, so it is important to check the amount by reading the label carefully. Also pay attention to the ingredients of stock cubes and preparations to flavor dishes, because they often contain monosodium glutamate.
To be consumed in moderation also cured meats as they are rich in salt, as well as capers, olives and other foods preserved in salt or brine.
Watch out for pressure even during pregnancy
In the months of waiting the expectant mother may suffer from hypertension. It can be a transient phenomenon or the manifestation of a pre-existing situation.
Some forms of hypertension in pregnancy (especially if they arise after the fifth month) are insidious because they can bring serious complications for the health of the fetus and the woman, as in case of preclampsia, or gestosis. This is why it is always important to check your blood pressure during the nine months and contact your doctor if you have any doubts.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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