Today’s workforce is spending more hours at the office then ever. Stress levels have increased, productivity is sagging. Workers pay the price with their health, all while health care costs skyrocket. Why is this?
Most people no longer get the exercise and fresh air their bodies need to stay healthy. This work-centered lifestyle is contributing to a nationwide “rise” in high blood pressure. Today, over 70 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure and related blood and circulatory problems. There are many contributing factors including poor diet and lack of rest and exercise. Work related stress exacerbates the problem for a growing population of Americans.The good news is that these conditions are treatable and controllable. If you’re willing to work with your doctor, take prescribed medications properly, and do your part to better your lifestyle, you can keep your blood pressure problems in check.
Blood Pressure Overview
Blood pressure is expressed in terms of systolic (the pressure in your arteries when your heart is forcing blood through them) and diastolic (the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes). In adults, the normal range of blood pressure is 120 / 80 or lower, although a reading will fluctuate throughout the day depending on such things as activity levels, body position, emotions, pain, food, alcohol and stress.
One big problem with high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension, is that it does not always show symptoms. In many, it may go completely unnoticed until it causes a stroke or heart attack.
Severe hypertension can sometimes cause the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Heart palpitations
- Coma
- Blurred vision
- Low libido or lack of sexual desire
As most people with high blood pressure don’t show any symptoms, they are diagnosed when they have their blood pressure taken as part of a medical examination. That’s one good reason to have a regular check-up with your doctor, especially if you’re over 40.
Many risk factors of high blood pressure are controllable. The two main methods for treating high blood pressure are changes in lifestyle and medication. Positive changes you can make in your lifestyle include:
- Reduce stress
- Test your blood-pressure often
- Increase physical activity
- Eat healthier
- Lose weight
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Lower your cholesterol
But, there is something else you can do. The Breathing Coach can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and help you feel better within a few weeks—without medication!