Practical ways of overcoming high blood pressure

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Extract from the article: Having high blood pressure is by no means a handicap in everyday life. However, it does require a change in eating habits and the adoption of certain lifestyle rules.

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Having high blood pressure is by no means a handicap in everyday life. However, it does require a change in eating habits and the adoption of certain lifestyle rules.

According to Dr Bassuka Andrée, a nutritionist, « we can't talk about a dietary ban as such. If a person with hypertension has a normal weight for their height, their food guide will be different from someone who needs to lose weight ». As a general rule, people with hypertension should control the amount of salt in their diet, eat less fat and more vegetables and fruit.

Physical activity, yes, but what kind?

According to sports physician Dr Damien Ekoue-Kouvahey, physical activity is highly recommended for hypertensive patients. Aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking for thirty minutes a day, cycling, running, court or table tennis, and swimming are recommended.

No smoking or alcohol when you have high blood pressure

« Smoking is forbidden in hypertensive patients. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided. But some people who have problems with alcohol should limit their consumption to two glasses of wine at the table during a meal for men. For women, the limit is 1 glass of wine a day », explains Dr Bassuka. Tobacco promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the blood vessels, which obstruct them totally or partially. The same applies to alcohol, which promotes cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels.

Hypertensives can carry out any professional activity

People with high blood pressure can work. However, as the specialist points out, « stressful situations, lack of sleep, alcohol abuse, smoking, physical inactivity and the development of overweight or obesity as a result of a poor diet in terms of both quantity and quality must be avoided ».

Hypertensive patients must maintain a constant relationship with their doctor

Known hypertensive patients should have regular medical check-ups, including physical and laboratory examinations. « Regular check-ups will enable us to review dietary rules, adopt medical treatment and avoid the onset of other illnesses such as diabetes, fat disorders or serious complications such as kidney failure », explains Dr Bassuka.

It is possible to live well with high blood pressure. That's why it's so important to follow your medical treatment as prescribed by your doctor, to keep your blood pressure stable and low, to limit the amount of salt and animal fats you consume, to give preference to fruit and vegetables, and to engage in regular daily physical activity to avoid a sedentary lifestyle caused by stress, alcohol and smoking.

Gamé KOKO