Posts

The Impact of Dry January on Blood Pressure: A Healthier Start to the New Year

/in /by

As the new year unfolds, many individuals embrace the opportunity for personal growth and positive change. “Dry January,” is a month-long commitment to abstain from alcohol. Beyond being a popular resolution, Dry January can have a profound impact on various aspects of health, with one notable area being blood pressure regulation. Let’s break down how skipping the drinks for a month can may lead to a healthier cardiovascular system.

Alcohol and Blood Pressure: Unravelling the Connection

The relationship between alcohol and blood pressure is complex and influenced by several factors, such as how often and how much alcohol you are consuming on a weekly basis. While some studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake may confer certain cardiovascular benefits, excessive and chronic alcohol consumption is unequivocally linked to hypertension, or high blood pressure.

Alcohol can affect blood pressure through multiple physiological mechanisms. One of the primary contributors is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Excessive alcohol consumption stimulates this system, leading to increased heart rate and constriction of blood vessels, both of which can contribute to elevated blood pressure levels.

Moreover, alcohol can disrupt this system’s delicate balance, potentially resulting in increased sodium retention and elevated blood pressure.

Dry January and Blood Pressure

Dry January entails refraining from alcohol for an entire month, and this deliberate break from drinking can bring about several positive changes for the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure regulation.

  • Blood Pressure Reduction: Studies have shown that even a short-term hiatus from alcohol can lead to a noticeable decrease in blood pressure. This reduction is particularly significant for individuals with pre-existing hypertension or those at risk of developing it.
  • Improved Sleep Quality: Alcohol’s impact on sleep is a well-known factor in blood pressure regulation. While it may initially induce drowsiness, alcohol disrupts the normal sleep cycle, potentially contributing to elevated blood pressure levels. A dry month allows for better sleep patterns, promoting overall cardiovascular health.
  • Weight Management: Alcohol is calorie-dense, and regular consumption can contribute to weight gain. By abstaining from alcohol during Dry January, individuals may experience weight loss or better weight management, positively influencing blood pressure.
  • Enhanced Hydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production, potentially leading to dehydration. Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining optimal blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure. A month without alcohol provides an opportunity for improved hydration status.
  • Lifestyle Reflection and Change: Participating in Dry January often involves a broader commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Individuals may engage in more physical activity, adopt a balanced diet, and manage stress more effectively—all factors that contribute to improved cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation.

The relationship between alcohol and blood pressure is complex and influenced by several factors, such as how often and how much alcohol you are consuming on a weekly basis. While some studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake may have certain cardiovascular benefits, excessive and chronic alcohol consumption is unequivocally linked to hypertension, or high blood pressure.

A&D Medical’s Pulse Oximeter: Your Simple, Portable Health Monitor

/in /by

A&D Medical is committed to helping you take control of your well-being with ease. We are excited to introduce our Pulse Oximeter, a reliable and portable device that puts your health in your hands. Let’s dive into the key features that make it your go-to health companion.

1. One-Button Operation for Ultimate Simplicity

Our Pulse Oximeter is designed for simplicity, with a user-friendly one-button operation. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to use it. Just clip it onto your finger, press the button, and let the device do the rest. This hassle-free operation ensures that anyone can monitor their oxygen saturation levels effortlessly.

2. Clear Results on the LCD Screen

The results matter, and we’ve made sure you get them quickly and clearly. The Pulse Oximeter features a bright and easy-to-read LCD screen. Within seconds of taking a measurement, you’ll see your oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate displayed in crisp detail. No more squinting or guessing—just straightforward, accurate information at your fingertips.

3. Portability: Health Monitoring on the Go

Your health journey doesn’t stop when you’re on the move, and neither should your monitoring tools. A&D Medical’s Pulse Oximeter is incredibly portable, fitting comfortably in your pocket or bag. With its compact design, it’s your trusty companion for measuring oxygen saturation wherever life takes you. Whether you’re traveling, exercising, or simply on the go, your health is never out of reach.

4. Power Saving Feature for Long-lasting Use

We understand the importance of conserving energy and ensuring that your Pulse Oximeter is ready when you need it most. That’s why we’ve incorporated a power-saving feature into our device. It automatically turns off after a period of inactivity, preserving battery life and saving you the trouble of constantly replacing batteries.

What’s in the Box?

When you choose A&D Medical’s Pulse Oximeter, you’ll receive everything you need to start monitoring your health right away:

  • x1 Pulse Oximeter
  • x1 Instruction Manual for easy setup and usage guidance
  • x1 Carrying Case for convenient storage and protection
  • x1 Lanyard for hands-free portability
  • x2 AAA Batteries, ensuring your device is powered and ready to go from day one

In conclusion, our Pulse Oximeter combines simplicity, clarity, portability, and energy efficiency to provide you with a reliable tool for monitoring your oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. With A&D Medical’s commitment to quality and your health in mind, taking charge of your well-being has never been easier. Whether you’re at home or on the go, our Pulse Oximeter is here to help you stay informed and stay healthy. A&D Medical also offers a range of other medical products such as Blood Pressure Monitors, Nebulisers, Thermometers and more! Choose A&D Medical for your health monitoring needs and experience the difference today.

How to Stay Healthy in a Heatwave

/in /by

Heatwave🌞

Posted by A&D Medical |

The United Kingdom is no stranger to the occasional heatwave, and when the sun decides to make an extended appearance, it’s crucial to look after your health. If you have hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions, the soaring temperatures can have an impact on your blood pressure. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the UK heatwave can affect your blood pressure and provide tips on staying healthy during hot weather.

Wherever you’re reading this from, we hope you have a good fan! If you have the luxury of air-con, the A&D team in the office are very jealous.

Dehydration Dilemma

One of the most significant factors contributing to blood pressure fluctuations during a heatwave is dehydration. The hot weather can make you sweat more, leading to increased fluid loss. Dehydration can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. To counter this effect, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Watch Your Salt Intake

During a heatwave, you might find yourself reaching for salty snacks or processed foods. However, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure. To keep your blood pressure in check, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce your consumption of high-sodium foods.

The Vasodilation Effect

Heat causes your blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure. While this is a natural response to heat, it’s essential to avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours. Protect yourself by wearing appropriate clothing and using sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun.

Beware of Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke can have a significant impact on your blood pressure. To prevent these conditions, stay cool by using fans or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure

If you have a home blood pressure monitor, now is an excellent time to use it regularly. Keep a close eye on your blood pressure during the heatwave and report any significant changes to your healthcare provider. Monitoring your blood pressure can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health.

In conclusion, while everyone’s response to heat is different, being proactive about your health during a UK heatwave is essential, especially if you have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular concerns. Remember to stay hydrated, watch your salt intake, protect yourself from the sun, and be mindful of any heat-related symptoms. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Stay safe, stay cool, and take care of your well-being during this hot spell!

#HeatwaveHealth #BloodPressureAwareness #StayCool

A&D Medical In The News

/in /by

Tracking Blood Pressure: A&D Medical’s Monitors Used by Prime Minister and in Virtual Wards

We at A&D Medical are thrilled to see our blood pressure monitoring products making headlines recently, from the Prime Minister’s visit to a pharmacy in Southampton, to the use of our blood pressure monitors in virtual wards.

As you may have heard, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a visit to a local pharmacy in May 2023 to get his blood pressure checked. The Prime Minister was seen using an A&D Medical blood pressure monitor. We are proud to see our products being trusted by public figures like the Prime Minister, as well as in the NHS to manage health.

Virtual wards allow healthcare providers to remotely monitor and care for patients using telehealth technology. This approach helps reduce the risk of hospital readmissions and provides timely interventions and coordinated care. Our BPMs have been used in virtual wards to remotely monitor patients’ blood pressure and alert healthcare providers to any changes or potential issues.

At A&D Medical, we are dedicated to providing accurate and reliable blood pressure monitoring solutions to help individuals and healthcare providers manage cardiovascular health. We are thrilled to see our products being used in a range of settings, from pharmacies to virtual wards, to support better health outcomes.

If you are interested in learning more about our blood pressure monitors and other healthcare products, please visit our website at www.andmedical.com.

6 Ways to Reduce Hypertension: World Hypertension Day

/in /by

Are you aware of the impact hypertension can have on your health?

May 17th marks World Hypertension Day, a global initiative to raise awareness of hypertension and promote hypertension prevention, detection, and control. 

Over 30% of the adult population in the world and more than a billion individuals worldwide suffer from hypertension. It is the main cause of heart disorders, especially coronary artery disease, and stroke. Additionally, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and dementia can all result from uncontrolled hypertension. Therefore, information regarding this illness should be shared widely. 

140/90mmHg or over – you may have high blood pressure

Most doctors use 140/90mmHg as the cut off for point for diagnosing high blood pressure (hypertension). This is the stage where the likelihood of encountering severe health issues escalates. They might prescribe medications and advise you to make changes to your lifestyle to bring your blood pressure down.

There are many ways to prevent hypertension, some ways include:

  • Get regular exercise 
  • Reduce salt intake 
  • Learn to manage tension or stress 
  • Take a well-balanced diet rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium 
  • Limiting alcohol consumption  
  • Avoiding tobacco use  

3 things to consider when choosing a home blood pressure monitor

Considerations include style, features and wireless capabilities

  • Style. Upper arm monitors are similar to those used in a doctor’s office. Wrist monitors are especially portable.
  • Features. Options range from simple ease of use to high-tech sophistication. One-touch monitors give a quick and easy-to-read result. Other monitors offer more features like built-in memory, which allows you to store your readings for a bigger long-term picture.
  • Wireless/Bluetooth®. Some monitors sync with a smartphone letting you store, chart and share your results easily.

5 things to know about checking your blood pressure at home

Tips from the British Heart Foundation :

  • Relax! Avoid caffeine or exercise 30 minutes before taking your BP.
  • Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported. Keep your feet flat and avoid crossing your legs, and support your arms on a flat surface with your upper arm at the level of your heart.
  • Measure at the same time every day. Try morning and evening, or both.
  • Take more than one reading and record the results. Take two or three readings, one minute apart each time.
  • Don’t take the measurement over thick or tight-fitting clothes. This one is simple.

For more information check out our previous blog post How to Measure Your Blood Pressure from Home | A&D Instruments UK (andprecision.com)

How A&D Medical can help

At A&D Medical, we are dedicated to improving hypertension awareness and management through our blood pressure monitoring solutions. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for understanding and managing hypertension. Our products include a range of blood pressure monitors, including wireless and other options, to suit a variety of needs and lifestyles. 

To support World Hypertension Day, we encourage everyone to check their blood pressure and spread awareness about hypertension in their communities.  

If you are interested in learning more about our blood pressure monitors, please visit our range of products.  

How to Measure Your Blood Pressure from Home

/in /by

How to get an accurate measurement

Have you decided to take control of your health by monitoring your blood pressure at home?

At first this could be a bit overwhelming, and you might be wondering how to ensure you get an accurate measurement like the doctors. However, monitoring your blood pressure at home is just as accurate as measuring your blood pressure at the doctors, with many doctors now using automatic blood pressure monitors to reduce human error.

Follow our simple sets on how to take an accurate measurement from home.

Use a clinically validated blood pressure monitor

Clinical validation is a formal study comparing the accuracy of a blood pressure monitor relative to the measurement of a clinical observer using a mercury sphygmomanometer and stethoscope on a patient.

Clinical validation is comprised of three major components:

  • Utilisation of modern protocols
  • Independent verification of accuracy
  • Publication in a peer-reviewed journal

View our clinically validated blood pressure monitors here.

Ensure the cuff is the correct size

Cuff size matters!

If the cuff you use is too small, your blood pressure reading will be artificially high.  If your cuff is too large, you may get a lower-than-actual reading.

To determine the right cuff size for you, with your arm hanging at the side of your body, measure the circumference of your upper arm at the midpoint between shoulder and elbow.

Understand what can impact your measurements

30 minutes before you take your measurement, DO NOT:

  • Exercise
  • Drink coffee or any kind of caffeinated drink
  • Drink alcohol
  • Smoke

Make sure you sit quietly for 5-10 minutes to relax.

Taking the blood pressure reading

Now you have completed the steps above, you are ready to take your reading.

  • Sit with your back straight, your legs uncrossed, and your feet flat on the floor.
  • Place the cuff on your left arm or wrist (unless your doctor has advised you to use your right side).
    • For upper arm monitors, wrap the cuff around the middle of your bare upper arm, about ½” above the elbow.  It should be fastened snugly, but you should be able to slide two fingers underneath the cuff.  Place the air hose on the inside of the arm near the crook of your elbow so that the artery position mark (if your model has one) is aligned with your brachial artery.
    • For wrist monitors, with the palm facing upwards, attach the monitor to the inside of your wrist.  Fasten securely with the top edge of the cuff aligned with the crease of your wrist.
  • Rest your arm on a table so cuff is at heart level.
    • For upper arm monitors, the cuff around your upper arm should be even with your heart.  Your hand should rest on the table, palm up.
    • For wrist monitors, you’ll need to bend your elbow to bring your wrist to heart level. Positioning your wrist at heart level is critical for an accurate measurement.
  • Press start.  During your measurement, do not talk, move, or eat.  Any one of these things can impact your measurement.

Doctor Checking Blood Pressure of a Patient

What is Hypertension?

/in /by

Hypertension affects more than 25% of adult population1Journal of Hypertension: October 2018 – Volume 36 – Issue 10 – p 1953–2041, doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001940, GUIDELINES in Europe.  It is a significant factor in increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease, vascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke.  Therefore, the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) issued updated guidelines in 2018 to improve hypertension treatment.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension occurs when there is a drastic increase in your blood pressure.  Your blood pressure is dependent on the work your heart is doing, as well as the blood vessels’ resistance.  Having high blood pressure means that your blood is applying a high amount of force against the walls of your blood vessels.  

Hypertension is also referred to as a silent killer, as in many cases, it comes with no warning symptoms or signs.  Over time, the pressure buildup results in the accumulation of damage that can be too much for your circulatory system to handle.  This results in severe health issues such as Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Dementia and Stroke.

Blood Pressure Numbers

In order to fully interpret your blood pressure readings, it is essential to understand how blood pressure is measured. Blood pressure can be measured by the following two numbers:

Systolic Number

The systolic number is the top number in a blood pressure reading. While your heart is beating, it transfers blood through your arteries as it squeezes. The force with which your blood travels throughout the body creates a certain pressure on your blood vessels.  The amount of pressure in your arteries during the contraction of your heart muscle is called the systolic number.

Diastolic Number

The diastolic number is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.  It indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats; the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.  It is during this time that the heart fills with blood and gets oxygen.

Both these numbers are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Blood Pressure Categories

Your blood pressure categories are as follows:

Blood Pressure Categories European Society of Caridology / European Society of Hypertension Guidelines
  Systolic Measurement   Diastolic Measurement
Optimal <120 and <80
Normal 120-129 and/or 80-84
High-Normal 130-139 and/or 85-89
Grade 1 Hypertension 140-159 and/or 90-99
Grade 2 Hypertension 160-179 and/or 100-109
Grade 3 Hypertension ≥180 and/or ≥110
Isolated Systolic Hypertension ≥140 and <90

These updated guidelines are expected to ensure early detection and intervention of hypertension.  According to the new recommendations, blood pressure lowering drugs such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARB) or calcium channel blockers should be offered to patients with 10% or more risk of cardiovascular disease.  

Due to these updated guidelines, major positive changes could be made in the lives of hypertension patients and reduce blood pressure issues linked with age. The major aim of these new changes is to improve the process of management and detection of hypertension over the next ten years. While hypertension is common among adults, young individuals and children are also at risk.  The major cause of hypertension among youngsters is unhealthy lifestyle, including lack of physical activity and poor diet.  It is essential to start taking the right measures to prevent hypertension early on by making positive lifestyle changes such as adding regular exercise to your daily routine and eating foods that help to lower blood pressure.  Moreover, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor to discuss the right preventive measures and treatments for hypertension.

Alkaline Diet

Alkaline Foods That Can Reduce Your Blood Pressure

/in /by

What you consume can have a major impact on your overall health.  Eating a more alkaline-based diet can provide numerous benefits to your body 1 Schwalfenberg, Gerry. (2012). The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline pH Diet Benefits Health?. Journal of environmental and public health. 2012. 727630. 10.1155/2012/727630. , which includes protecting you from diseases, improving your cardiovascular health and lowering your high blood pressure.

The following are 10 alkaline foods to include in your diet in order to reduce your blood pressure:

1.   Watermelon

Watermelons are loaded with magnesium and potassium which can play a significant role in lowering your blood pressure.  Potassium acts as a vasodilator, promoting the dilatation of blood vessels which helps in releasing the tension from arteries and blood vessels.  This stimulates high blood flow and reduces the stress on your cardiovascular system. 

Carotenoids, yellow, orange, and red organic pigments which give the characteristic color to fruits and vegatables such as pumpkins, carrots, corn and tomatoes, are also present in watermelon, which prevents the artery veins and walls from hardening, thus, reducing blood pressure.

2.   Plum Tomatoes

Eating one plum tomato every day decreases the risk of high blood pressure.  This is primarily due to the amount of potassium in plum tomatoes which helps in reducing tension in the arteries and vessels, which, in turn, help increase circulation and lowers the stress and pressure placed on your heart.

3.   Walnuts

Studies have proven that eating walnuts can lower bad cholesterol and enhances the good cholesterol level 2 Banel DK, Hu FB. Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90(1):56–63. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.27457 .  Consuming around 25 grams of walnuts daily is sufficient enough to offer about 90% of the daily recommended amount of essential fatty acids.  As a result, it reduces the chances of heart diseases and high blood pressure.

4.   Rye

Rye is known as a heart-healthy food 3 Lu Wang, J Michael Gaziano, Simin Liu, JoAnn E Manson, Julie E Buring, Howard D Sesso, Whole- and refined-grain intakes and the risk of hypertension in women, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 86, Issue 2, August 2007, Pages 472–479, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/86.2.472 as it contains magnesium which helps control blood pressure and optimize heart health.  Its high levels of soluble fibre can also reduce cholesterol.  It is recommended that you include rye in your everyday diet as it offers a number of essential nutrients needed for your body, including a good amount of mineral and fibre content.

5.   Dandelion Greens

One of the most effective means of reducing blood pressure is by urination 4 Shah SU, Anjum S, Littler WA Use of diuretics in cardiovascular disease: (2) hypertension Postgraduate Medical Journal 2004;80:271-276. .  The majority of modern blood pressure medications are based on this fact.  Dandelion juice is diuretic in nature, which enhances urination in both frequency and quantity.  Thus, it assists in lowering high blood pressure.

6.   Strawberries

Strawberries are also loaded with magnesium and potassium content; both of which can help to reduce blood pressure 5 Feresin, R.G.; Johnson, S.A.; Pourafshar, S.; Campbell, J.C.; Jaime, S.J.; Navaei, N.; Elam, M.L.; Akhavan, N.S.; Alvarez-Alvarado, S.; Tenenbaum, G.; et al. Impact of daily strawberry consumption on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in pre- and stage 1-hypertensive postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial. Food Funct. 2017, 8, 4139–4149. , which is caused due to inorganic sodium and other risk factors.  This fruit also lowers the rigidity of blood vessels and arteries, which also lowers blood pressure.

7.   Burdock Tea

An unknown fact of burdock tea is its ability to lower blood pressure 6 Lee YJ, Choi DH, Cho GH, Kim JS, Kang DG, Lee HS. Arctium lappa ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in rats fed with high fat/cholesterol diets. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:116. Published 2012 Aug 6. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-116 .  This plant is high in potassium, which relieves tension from the cardiovascular system and relaxes arteries and blood vessels.  As a result, it helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.

8.   Prickly Pears

Prickly pears are good for your heart 7 Igho, J., Onakpoya, M.D., Jack, O.S., Carl, J.H. 2015. The effect of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) on body weight and cardiovascular risk factors: A systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Nutrition. 31, 640–646. .  They also hold a high amount of potassium that can reduce high blood pressure by lowering stress on your cardiovascular system and relaxing your blood vessels.

9.   Tomatillos

Tomatillos consist of a good ratio of sodium and potassium, which can lower your blood pressure.  Potassium helps to relax your blood vessels, decreases the pressure on your cardiovascular system, and also enhances the oxygenation and circulation in your body.

Increased blood pressure can be a major stressor to your body, while also inducing the release of cortisol and other stress organs, which can be harmful to your health.  It is helpful that you include these alkaline foods in your daily diet to help you reduce your blood pressure and maintain overall good health.

Man Vaping

Study Links Vaping to Increased Heart Attack Risk

/in /by

Vaping has become a trend among young individuals and people generally assume it is safer than traditional cigarettes.  However, a recent study has found that it is linked to an increased heart attack risk. Vapers are more at risk of having a heart attack as compared to nonsmokers. Moreover, they are also at risk of suffering depression and developing coronary artery disease.

The Study

The study 1 Won Hee Lee, Sang-Ging Ong, Yang Zhou, Lei Tian, Hye Ryeong Bae, Natalie Baker, Adam Whitlatch, Leila Mohammadi, Hongchao Guo, Kari C. Nadeau, Matthew L. Springer, Suzaynn F. Schick, Aruni Bhatnagar, Joseph C. Wu Modeling Cardiovascular Risks of E-Cigarettes With Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Endothelial Cells Journal of the American College of Cardiology Jun 2019, 73 (21) 2722-2737; DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.03.476 showed that e-cigarette users are at a 34% greater risk of having a heart attack and 25% more at risk of having a coronary artery disease.  They are also 55% more likely to develop anxiety or depression.

These connections are valid even after managing other cardiovascular risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, body mass index, sex, and age.

While researchers were not able to determine if this damage was done before the usage of e-cigarettes or was done due to vaping, they still believe it is a wakeup call for individuals who believe e-cigarettes are safe.

Researchers further found that no matter the frequency of vaping, whether occasionally or daily, vapers are still at a high risk of developing coronary artery disease and heart attack.  They are also likely to develop circulatory issues, diabetes, and blood pressure.

Young People Are at High Risk

Another study 2 American College of Cardiology. (2019, March 7). Heart attacks increasingly common in young adults: Youngest heart attack survivors have same likelihood of dying as survivors 10+ years older; substance abuse may be contributing to trend. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 4, 2019 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190307081026.htm found that while Americans are getting fewer heart attacks, the percentage has drastically increased among individuals younger than 40 years of age.  This indicates that young people are more at risk of a heart attack.

The results showed that 20% of individuals who suffered a heart attack were aged 40 or younger.  This percentage has increased by 2% every year in the past decade.

Many of the heart attack victims are in their 20s and 30s.  This was considered a rare occurrence a few decades ago.  These young individuals have similar risks of dying from a stroke or another heart attack just like elderly patients.

Even if an individual is in their 20s or 30s, after a heart attack, the risk of other cardiovascular issues is higher just like for other elderly patients.  For those of you who remember the actor Luke Perry from the 90s teen TV show “Beverly Hills 90210” and the more recent teen drama “Riverdale” based on the characters of Archie Comics, you’ll remember his massive stroke was shock to many.

Associated Risk Factors

Associated risk factors like high cholesterol, smoking, vaping, high blood pressure, and diabetes are the same among both younger and older individuals who had a heart attack.

While young individuals drink less alcohol as compared to people older than them, they are still likely to use other substances, like cocaine, marijuana and also frequently vape, believing it is safer than traditional cigarettes. 

Precautions to Take

In order to prevent heart attacks, and other health risks, it is essential to stop vaping, avoid tobacco, reduce alcohol intake, and maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise.  It is also important to manage your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

You should also take preventive measures against diabetes since one out of five heart attack patients aged below 50 years are found to have diabetes.  Diabetics have a higher chance of experiencing another heart attack and dying from it as compared to other individuals.

It is therefore, highly recommended that you take preventive measures to improve and maintain your overall health.

Fitness Trainer Assisting Elderly Man

Regular Exercise Reduces High Blood Pressure

/in /by

As you grow older, the risk of hypertension increases.  This means it is essential to take necessary precautions to control and prevent high blood pressure.  Recent studies have revealed that exercise can play a major role in helping you control high blood pressure.  This certainly doesn’t mean running a marathon or even joining a gym, just a few minutes of physical activity every day can do wonders.  

The Studies

A study 1 Naci H, Salcher-Konrad M, Dias S, et al How does exercise treatment compare with antihypertensive medications? A network meta-analysis of 391 randomised controlled trials assessing exercise and medication effects on systolic blood pressure British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 18 December 2018. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099921 published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, highlighted that one or more in every four UK adults experience high blood pressure.  This is a significant risk factor for heart attack or stroke.  While it is more common among the elderly, it can still affect anyone regardless of age.  The study found that regular exercise can be as effective as the majority of available medications in controlling blood pressure.

Another study 2 Effect of Exercise and Pharmacological Interventions on Visceral Adiposity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Long-term Randomized Controlled Trials.  Rao, Shreya et al.  Mayo Clinic Proceedings , Volume 94 , Issue 2 , 211 – 224 focused on the levels of visceral fat, which is the type of fat that isn’t visible on the outside but instead covers various internal organs.  High levels of visceral fat can be extremely harmful to health and result in a number of health issues, including high blood pressure.

The study found that while both medication and exercise can help in decreasing visceral fat, regular exercise offered the most advantages.  Additionally, modifying the diet is another effective way of reducing body fat and obesity.

As you start losing visceral fat, your risk of high blood pressure decreases and you can also overcome numerous other illnesses associated with high amount of body fat.

Exercising to Reduce Blood Pressure

So, how often do you have to exercise to reduce fat and control blood pressure?

It is best to aim for moderate activity, which can include brisk walking for 30 minutes for at least five days a week.  If you are unable to exercise for 30 minutes then you can opt for shorter but more vigorous physical activity, for instance jogging for 10 to 20 minutes for three to four days a week.

If you have been inactive for a long period of time, it is best to start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity.  Here is what you should do:

  1. Start with warming up your body.  This should take five to ten minutes of stretching and other warm up exercises that can help your body prepare for the workout and prevent any potential injuries.
  2. Slowly increase the intensity.  Don’t try to overdo it.  Keep in mind that while exercising, you should still be able to talk.  If you can sing then you need to turn it up a notch.
  3. After the workout, give your body time to cool down.  Avoid stopping the workout suddenly. Decrease the intensity for the next few minutes till you feel your heartbeat getting normal.

An inactive lifestyle has been associated with an increase in blood pressure.  Therefore, it is important to include regular workouts as part of your daily activities.  Regular activity will help in reducing blood pressure and can be as good as any blood pressure medication.  In case of any confusion, it is best to consult your doctor to determine the right fitness plan for you.