From erectile dysfunction to prostate cancer, hepatitis, and more, there are many health conditions that are common in men. High blood pressure is also one of such conditions, and it is pretty common among men who do not check their blood pressure numbers regularly and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
What is blood pressure?
Simply put, blood pressure is the level of force on your blood as it flows in your arteries. Arteries are the structure created to transport blood from your heart to other parts of your body. As your blood flows, pressure is exerted on your artery walls, and this is referred to as your blood pressure.
Having established that, high blood pressure occurs when the blood that transports through your arteries does so at a higher pressure than normal. What’s wrong with having high blood pressure? If your blood pressure stays high for a very long time, it can increase your risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, kidney failure, or heart disease. The ideal blood pressure range is any reading between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
Causes of high blood pressure in men
The following are common causes of high blood pressure in men:
- Having chronic conditions including high cholesterol levels, diabetes and kidney disease can increase one’s blood pressure.
- A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
- A family history of high blood pressure increases your chances of having high blood pressure yourself.
- Consuming foods that are high in cholesterol or fat and salt can increase your chances of having high blood pressure.
- Obesity and being overweight can also put you at risk.
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
- Stress can also increase your risk
How can men manage high blood pressure?
Managing high blood pressure is your best bet at preventing the condition from escalating to chronic heart diseases or stroke. To prevent that try out the following:
-
Check your blood pressure regularly
To know if your blood pressure is in a healthy state, check your blood pressure regularly with a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. If your blood pressure is constantly high, monitor your numbers daily and speak with a doctor on Doctall. Knowing your numbers can inform lifestyle changes for improvement.
-
Quit smoking
Smoking is dangerous because it is not friendly to the blood vessels. This means that your blood pressure and heart are both at risk when you smoke. If it is difficult for you to quit smoking cigarettes and other substances, speak with a doctor immediately.
-
Exercise regularly
Exercising has several benefits for your overall health. It helps to manage your stress levels, reduce your weight, and help to lower your blood pressure. To join the workout lifestyle, go easy but stay consistent. Try out brisk walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, and running on the treadmill.
- Eat healthy meals
Your diet is essential to controlling your blood pressure. This is because the food you eat can control your blood pressure. Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy foods, and whole grains. These foods are rich in fibre and potassium. These two nutrients can help control your blood pressure. Avoid extra oily and foods rich in trans fats such as baked foods, fried foods, margarine, and frozen pizza.
-
Maintain a healthy weight
To reduce your blood pressure, put in the effort to lose weight. This is important in controlling high blood pressure. Losing about 2.2 pounds can cut down your blood pressure level by 1 mm Hg. Serve your meals in smaller portions and stay physically active to help control your weight.
- Cut down alcohol consumption
Whether your blood pressure is high or not, alcohol can spike up your blood pressure. Drink in little quantity if you have to.
High blood pressure is common in men. It is possible to prevent and manage high blood pressure. But this is only possible when you make lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, resting, maintaining a healthy weight, and many more. Speaking with a doctor on Doctall can further guide you on what to do.
