Are you concerned about your parent’s blood pressure? If so, you might be interested to learn that researchers recently discovered just how important it is for adults to reach and maintain a healthy weight in order to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Senior Care in Wake Forest NC: Weight and Blood Pressure

Senior Care in Wake Forest NC: Weight and Blood Pressure

25 Year Study Shows Weight Impacts Blood Pressure.

The study began in 1985 and involved around 4,700 people who signed up when they were between the ages of 18 and 30. Participants agreed to allow researchers to monitor their blood pressure and behaviors related to their overall health. They were examined eight times during the 25-year span. Researchers looked at how the following lifestyle choices affected health:

  • Drinking alcohol in moderation.
  • Not smoking.
  • Following the DASH diet, a diet designed to prevent high blood pressure.
  • Staying at a healthy weight.
  • Getting at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.

At the end of the study, researchers determined that those who stayed at a healthy weight were 41 percent less likely to get high blood pressure as they reached middle age.

How Weight Affects High Blood Pressure.

Excess weight makes your heart work harder, which can damage blood vessels and cause serious problems, including high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, losing as little as ten pounds could help reduce your parent’s risk of high blood pressure. If they have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, weight loss can help manage the condition. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says that some people are able to take a lower dose of blood pressure medication or stop taking it completely when they lose weight. However, they do caution that people should not make changes to their prescription medication without talking to a doctor first.

How Senior Care Can Help.

If your parent has high blood pressure or is at risk for high blood pressure, a senior care provider can help. Senior care providers can assist older adults with lowering some of the risk factors for high blood pressure by helping them to live a healthier lifestyle. They can prepare healthy foods for your parent, which may help them to lose weight. Senior care providers can also encourage your parent to exercise by walking with them, driving them to exercise classes, or simply being with them while they exercise at home so that they can feel safe.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Wake Forest, NC or the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at HomeChoice Home Care Services. Call today (919) 847-5622

 

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20170914/one-behavior-best-prevents-high-blood-pressure#1

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/MakeChangesThatMatter/Managing-Weight-to-Control-High-Blood-Pressure_UCM_301884_Article.jsp#.WcLDaMiGPIU

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure-medication/faq-20058056