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Understanding Hypertension: Medications and Lifestyle Changes for Better Blood Pressure
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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects millions of Canadians. Often called the "silent killer" because it may not show noticeable symptoms, hypertension can lead to severe complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage if left untreated. Managing blood pressure effectively involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. At King Elm Pharmacy in Stoney Creek, we’re here to support you with consultations and insights to improve your health.
 

What is Hypertension?
Hypertension occurs when the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is generally considered hypertensive, though your healthcare provider may set a different target based on your health history.
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Common Risk Factors for Hypertension:
-Family history of high blood pressure
-Obesity or being overweight
-Sedentary lifestyle
-Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
-High salt intake
 

How Medications Help Control Blood Pressure
For many people, medications are a critical part of managing hypertension. Here’s an overview of commonly prescribed options:
1. Diuretics ("Water Pills"): Help remove excess sodium and water from the body, reducing the volume of blood in your vessels.
2. ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: Relax blood vessels by preventing the formation of a hormone that causes narrowing.
3. Calcium Channel Blockers: Prevent calcium from entering the cells of your heart and arteries, allowing blood vessels to relax.
4. Beta Blockers: Reduce the workload on your heart by slowing your heartbeat.
 

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Blood Pressure
While medications are effective, combining them with healthy lifestyle habits can lead to even better results. Here are some proven strategies:
1. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: focus on a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins, reducing salt and saturated fat intake.
Quick Tip: Check food labels for sodium content, and aim to consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
2. Stay Active: regular physical activity strengthens your heart, helping it pump blood more efficiently. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Walking, swimming, or yoga are great options.
3. Manage Stress: chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to keep stress levels in check.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: losing even a small amount of weight can significantly lower your blood pressure. Set realistic goals and focus on gradual, sustainable changes.
5. Limit Alcohol and Smoking: both alcohol and tobacco can raise your blood pressure. Cutting back or quitting entirely will benefit your heart and overall health.
 

Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly
Keeping track of your blood pressure is essential for managing hypertension. Use a home blood pressure monitor to check your levels and share the results with your healthcare provider during visits.
 

Final Thoughts: Hypertension is manageable with the right combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments. By staying proactive and making small, meaningful changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications and improve your quality of life.
 

How King Elm Pharmacy Can Help You?
At King Elm Pharmacy, we’re dedicated to supporting your health journey with personalized care. Our services include: Medication Reviews, Prescription Refills, and consultations. 
Visit our pharmacy in downtown Stoney Creek or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay on top of your medications.

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