What Is High Blood Pressure Or Hypertension
High blood pressure is a condition based on the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels while that blood is being pumped and circulated throughout your body by your heart.
When the force of your blood is too high and it qualifies as high blood pressure it can put your entire wellbeing in danger.
High blood pressure severely increases your risk of:
- sexual dysfunction
Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a fairly common problem these days. Many people who suffer from high blood pressure have no overt symptoms. Only during a routine check-up, their high pressure is detected. For this reason it is very important that a person gets his blood pressure checked regularly. Some people experience certain symptoms if their blood pressure increases above the normal level. They are as follows:
Waiting for these symptoms to appear is quite risky. Moreover, they might not be good markers of high blood pressure as well. These symptoms generally appear in case of a hypertensive crisis which can be life threatening. A hypertensive crisis is when the systolic blood pressure is above 180 and the diastolic blood pressure is above 110. If this is the case then the person needs emergency medical care.
When Should You Consult A Doctor For Dizziness
Generally, an occasional dizzy spell that goes away quickly on its own is not a source of concern.
But if bouts of dizziness become a regular experience or dont go away easily, you may need to consult with your doctor or healthcare team.
Persistent dizziness can indicate a serious health concern, including cardiovascular disease and circulatory conditions.
Dizziness can also cause you to fall, leading to injury or accidents. Injuries caused by dizziness can lead to additional negative health effects, according to
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How To Avoid Added Sugars And Improve Your Blood Pressure
Avoiding added sugars is the key to limiting sugar intake in your diet. Dietary guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend that for men, 36 grams of added sugar is the daily maximum and for women, 25 grams is the daily maximum. Less is always better though, so aim to consume as little added sugar as possible. Knowing where added sugars are hiding is important for making the best food choices for a low-sugar diet. Follow these tips for cutting down on the amount of added sugar in your diet.
What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels
No magic number exists for normal glucose or blood sugar levels. While there are clinical guidelines on target goals for blood sugar levels. The 2022 standards from the American Diabetes Association are a set of guidelines followed by many professionals in the diabetes field. They suggest that people who do not suffer from diabetes should have blood sugar levels of 99 mg/dL or below before a meal and 140 mg/dL or below after a meal.
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What Are Risk Factors For Hyperglycemia
Major risk factors for hyperglycemia are:
- You have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
- You are African American, Native American, Hispanic or Asian American.
- You are overweight.
- You have high blood pressure or cholesterol.
- You have polycystic ovarian syndrome .
- You have a history of gestational diabetes.
High Blood Pressure: Sugar Vs Salt
Typically, people think of salt as bad for blood pressure. However, sugar is actually also responsible for high blood pressure and is a leading cause of it.
Fructose, a type of simple sugar, raises the levels of uric acid in the blood, which in turn inhibits the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is what helps your blood vessels maintain flexibility, so when levels of NO are lowered, you can experience a rise in blood pressure.
In addition, increased sugar consumption can lead to weight gain. Obesity is also a contributor to elevated blood pressure.
Sugar in processed foods is considered a main driver of hypertension, as well. Some sugars are worse than others. In particular, “added sugar,” such as table sugar and syrups used to prepare and process foods, is thought to be more harmful than naturally occurring sugars like those in fruit and milk.
Furthermore, research suggests that sugar intake can actually increase salt sensitivity, leading to the enhanced negative effects of sodium on blood pressure. A 2017 research study, in fact, discovered an association between sugar intake and high blood pressure in older women.
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Take Care Of Your Heart
These lifestyle changes can help lower your risk for heart disease or keep it from getting worse, as well as help you manage diabetes:
- Follow a healthy diet. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Eat fewer processed foods and avoid trans fat. Drink more water, fewer sugary drinks, and less alcohol.
- Aim for a healthy weight. If youre overweight, losing even a modest amount of weight can lower your triglycerides and blood sugar. Modest weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, just 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person.
- Get active. Being physically active makes your body more sensitive to insulin , which helps manage your diabetes. Physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease. Try to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking.
- Manage your ABCs:
- A: Get a regular A1C test to measure your average blood sugar over 2 to 3 months aim to stay in your target range as much as possible.
- B: Try to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg .
- C: Manage your cholesterol levels.
- s: Stop smoking or dont start.
Foods That Are Rich In Fructose And Increases Blood Pressure
The food which are high in fructose and added sugar are carbonated drinks and beverages, fruits and vegetables like banana, kiwi, cherry, blackberry, mango, tomato, dates, asparagus, beans, broccoli, etc., processed foods like barbeque and pasta, dried fruits, etc. Thus a person who is at increased risk and also those who are already suffering from hypertension must be cautious about the intake of added sugar or fructose in their diet. These people must also try to avoid the processed and packed foods which are generally very high in added sugar. Moreover, in contrary to the earlier belief, they should include salt in their diet so as to utilize its positive effects on the body. However, the quantity must not exceed the limit.
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Your Blood Pressure Results
Youll get your results straight away. The reading on the monitor lets your healthcare team know whether your blood pressure is too high, too low or just right. But its important you understand your results too. Make a note of your reading at each appointment and get to know what the numbers mean.
Your healthcare team will agree a target level thats safe for you. Its important you do everything you can to keep in your target range. The longer your blood pressure is high, the more at risk you are of getting serious complications. Weve got lots of information and advice to help you bring your to the target level you’ve agreed with your healthcare team.
Diet Physical Activity And Demographic Questionnaires
The electronic form of the 2005 Nutrition Quest Block Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess average daily intake of food, beverages, and supplements . Approximately 110 food items were included, and each food item was accompanied by questions about the frequency of consumption and serving sizes. Frequency questions concerned intake year-round and accounted for seasonal food intake. This questionnaire was administered by a trained researcher. Measuring cups and spoons were provided as a reference for serving sizes. The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly , designed to be used on individuals aged 65 and older, was used to determine physical activity in the participants . The questionnaire contains items about the individuals leisure-time, household, and work-related activities performed over the past seven days. Various activities including reading, walking, dancing, gardening, and home repairs as well as volunteer or paid work. The demographic questionnaire was used to collect information about the participants age, sex, education level, marital status, race/ethnicity, and income.
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What Are The Problems Associated With The Low Levels Of Hdl Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is mainly synthesized by the liver. It can transport cholesterol from extrahepatic tissues to the liver for metabolism and then be excreted by bile. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol can protect blood vessels, prevent fat deposits on the inner walls of blood vessels, thereby preventing arteriosclerosis.
Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol has a great impact on the body and can easily lead to the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Eating more foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids is an effective way to increase HDL cholesterol. Such as rapeseed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, peanuts and soybeans and so on.
In addition, fresh vegetables and fruits rich in soluble fiber can also effectively increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Does High Blood Sugar Lead To High Blood Pressure
There is a strong association between high blood pressure and high blood sugar, as the two conditions commonly occur together. Insulin resistance is thought to lead to changes in blood vessels and the kidneys, which can ultimately cause high blood pressure.8
Excess glucose in the blood can bind to proteins lining blood vessels, causing changes in their structure. When blood vessels become damaged, they narrow and accumulate plaque. Over time, blood vessels harden, a process called atherosclerosis. When this occurs, your blood pressure increases.
Excess stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems is commonly seen in diabetes. These two systems increase blood volume and constrict blood vessels, both of which increase blood pressure.9
Lowering blood sugar can reduce the risk of changes in blood vessels and the kidneys that contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.10
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Fluctuations In Blood Sugar Levels Are Normal
We all experience instabilities in our blood sugar levels. Eating sugar or any food high on the Glycemic Index will cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Within 45 minutes, after eating something with lots of sugar, your blood sugar levels will be at their highest and then they slowly decrease. Within two hours they will be back to normal.
People with diabetes struggle to manage their blood sugar levels as they cannot lower them. Their blood sugar levels are constantly high. This happens because their bodies dont produce enough insulin or cant effectively use the insulin it makes.
It is insulins job to move glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells. When glucose is not delivered to your cells, it builds up in your bloodstream. This puts an immense strain on organs and cells and leads to copious health complications.
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Treatment And Prevention Of High Blood Pressure In People With Type 2 Diabetes
The recommended treatment and steps for prevention of high blood pressure are not much different than the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
It is well documented that lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure as much as pills can, and sometimes even more, says Dr. Fisher from the Harvard Medical School.
Lets take a look.
Diabetes Vasoprotection And Potential New Therapies
Data from landmark clinical trials in T2D including UKPDS, ADVANCE, and Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes demonstrate that treating comorbidities including hypertension and hypercholesterolemia is a more effective strategy for reducing cardiovascular complications than targeting blood glucose levels with conventional agents.109 Antihypertensive drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid-receptor blockers, and calcium-channel blockers may have direct vasoprotective effects, and their use may contribute, at least in part, to reduced vascular complications in patients with diabetes and concomitant hypertension.110 Tight control of BP has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk in T2D: most recent US and Canadian guidelines recommend a target of < 130/80 mm Hg.111, 112 Statin drugs and clopidrogel are also vasoprotective and may have extra benefit in patients with diabetes. Some of the beneficial effects of these drugs have been attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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How To Treat Hyperglycemia
For people with diabetes, its advisable to try the following if youre experiencing higher blood sugars that may or may not be causing dizziness:
- Drink water or hydrating liquids to help flush out excess glucose.
- Physically move around after checking glucose levels.
- For insulin users, consider taking a dose of regular or fast-acting insulin to help lower glucose levels.
Extremely high glucose levels (
Lower Your Sugar Intake To Reduce High Blood Pressure
05/22/2019 | 2 min. read
Dr. Stephen Sinatra
There are now several studies confirming that too much sugar will put you at a greater risk for developing heart disease than too much cholesterol. Yet, while Americans are very aware of the dangers of high cholesterol, few people are educated about how harmful sugar can be. One of the biggest dangers is how it can be a cause for high blood pressure .
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Can High Blood Sugar Cause Brain Damage
Researchers are finding more evidence linking elevated blood sugar levels with cognitive problems.
Visit your doctor, and no matter what your age, youll step on the scale, get your blood pressure checked, and receive a lab slip to test your cholesterol levels. But a test for blood sugar? Thats a toss-up.
SARA ASNAGHI/BEHANCE
Doctors are short on time, patients dont like being stuck with needles, and the prevailing opinion is that blood sugar isnt an issue until people reach their golden years. Trouble is, a growing body of research suggests that maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels throughout your life could play a key role in preserving your brain.
Research has shown a link between diabetes and for decades. In fact, a November 2012 review in Experimental Gerontology reported that people with diabetes have double the risk of developing dementia. Now, scientists are discovering that even modestly elevated blood sugar levels may speed up cognitive decline.
We know that people with diabetes are at increased risk, says James A. Mortimer, PhD, professor in the department of epidemiology at the University of South Florida and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology . Even pre-diabetes has shown up in some studies. But this is pre-pre-diabetes, in the 90 to 100 mg/dL range.
Sugar Spike
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Following A Healthy Diet
People with diabetes and hypertension can ask their doctor for information and advice on an appropriate diet plan.
Doctors often recommend the for managing blood pressure and overall well-being. This typically includes:
- eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
- focusing on high fiber foods, including whole grains
- limiting added salt and sugar
- avoiding or limiting unhealthy fats, such as trans fats and animal fats
A person with diabetes will need to monitor their intake of carbohydrates and check their blood glucose levels to ensure that their blood glucose remains within the healthy range.
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Aside From Salt And Sugar What Raises Blood Pressure
In addition to high-salt and high-sugar products, foods that raise blood pressure include those that are high in saturated fat. Foods high in saturated fat can contribute to weight gain and metabolic syndrome while raising your risk of hypertension too.
Not eating enough potassium contributes to high blood pressure. Adequate potassium intake promotes electrolyte balance in the blood and helps counteract the effects of sodium.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle can raise your risk of developing hypertension. Without sufficient activity and exercise, the heart does not grow stronger as a muscle. As a result, the heart must work much harder to pump blood throughout the body, which causes blood flow to exert more pressure on arterial walls.
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How Common Is High Blood Pressure In People With Diabetes
In the UK, about 1 in 4 of people have high blood pressure . It is less common in younger adults. High blood pressure is more common in people with diabetes. Around 3 in 10 people with type 1 diabetes and around 8 in 10 people with type 2 diabetes develop high blood pressure at some stage.
People with diabetes are more at risk of developing high blood pressure if they:
- Are of African-Caribbean origin.
- Eat a lot of salt.
- Do not eat much fruit and vegetables.
- Do not take much exercise.
- Drink a lot of alcohol.
Jul 9, 2021 | Blood Pressure, Cholesterol
Having high levels of cholesterol can lead to multiple health problems, but can high cholesterol cause high blood pressure? Lets find out.
High cholesterol is a result of having too much LDL cholesterol, and this can lead to a variety of problems. For example, it can result in narrow blood vessels, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even high blood pressure.
The following are some of the different diseases that can result from having too much bad cholesterol.
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