According to the authors of a new report, Source, published in PLOS ONE journal, high blood pressure has been the leading cause of death for Australians over the last 30 years.
It is also the main cause of death from cardiovascular disease.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases include various conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failures, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart valve issues.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure can be a risk for cardiovascular disease.
Over time, it can cause a decrease in the flexibility of arteries. It reduces blood flow and oxygen to the body. The arteries of the brain can burst or even become blocked.
Researchers note, however, that despite knowing this, Australian national health plans have not always given this condition priority.
The researchers felt that comparing high blood pressure to other risk factors for cardiovascular disease could be a useful tool in helping the country make better healthcare policy decisions.
The link between high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
The team at The George Institute for Global Health in Sydney and UNSW Sydney studied the problem by analyzing epidemiological data collected from the Global Burden of Disease study. This study includes data from 204 different countries, including Australia. It also contains data on almost 400 diseases and 87 risk factors.
The main risk factors of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes were determined using data from 1990-2019.
They found that the contribution of high blood pressure to death dropped from 54% to just 44%.
It remained, however, the leading risk factor for deaths from all causes and those related to cardiovascular disease.
Diet and tobacco usage are also major contributors.
Age and gender also played a role. High blood pressure was more prevalent in men aged 25-49 than in any other group.
What you can Do to Lower Your Blood Pressure
Dr. Hoang Nguyen is a board-certified interventional cardiologist with MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, located at Orange Coast Medical Center, Fountain Valley, California. He was not involved in this study.
He explained that “blood-pressure readings at the doctor’s are often inaccurate. They can be falsely raised due to stress from being in a physician’s or getting there.”
Nguyen said that blood pressure should be taken while the patient is at rest. (The patient should relax in a chair for five minutes). The blood pressure should be measured with an arm cuff, not a wristband.
He also recommends that you measure your blood pressure at home and keep a record to share with your physician.
He said that once high blood pressure has been confirmed, lifestyle changes can be made to reduce blood pressure. These include regular physical activity.
Nguyen said that losing weight can help lower blood pressure to the point where you might not need medication. “Even losing five pounds can help. He noted that losing 5 lbs.
Nguyen said that limiting alcohol intake as well as quitting smoking could also be beneficial. Smoking cessation has also been shown to have other benefits.
He said that can lower blood pressure by getting enough sleep and avoiding foods high in salt.
Dr. Dr.
She said that pain management is crucial, whether it is due to a chronic illness or an injury. Pain is a stressor and can raise your blood pressure.
Reduce heart disease risk by using other methods.
Winakur said that there are many things you can do in order to reduce the risk of hypertension as well as your risk for cardiovascular disease.
She also suggested that you move more to reduce your risk.
“The ‘official’ recommendationTrusted Source is 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity,” she said, “but I tell patients that anything is better than nothing.”
Winakur advises that you should not limit yourself to only running or fitness classes.
She explained, “You can add more physical activity to your daily routine by dancing in the kitchen, walking your dog, or parking farther away from stores.
Winakur explained that when it comes to your diet, “a diet consisting of mostly vegetables, low in fat animal fats such as beef and pork, bacon and dairy products), and low in sugars and refined carbohydrates (as found in pasta, bread, and sweets), and with small portions lean meats and fish, along with complex carbs, can improve heart health and overall.
She also recommends that you eat food in its most natural form.
She noted, “You won’t find a loaf or chickpea spaghetti out in nature.”
Winakur suggests that you see a doctor regularly, as well as having some basic tests done, such a blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
She said that being aware of potential problems early can lead to a discussion with your healthcare provider about what you can do in order to maintain your best health.
Winakur also stresses the importance of taking action to reduce stress.
She concluded, “Use healthy ways to manage stress, such as getting enough sleep and moving regularly. You can also use meditation on a regular basis, limit your alcohol consumption, and avoid screens of all kinds (TVs and tablets, cell phones, etc.) when necessary.
Takeaway
High blood pressure has been linked to cardiovascular disease.
According to a study conducted in Australia, high blood pressure is the main cause of premature death, including from cardiovascular disease.
Experts recommend that you reduce your blood pressure by improving your diet and exercising. They also suggest quitting smoking, reducing your alcohol intake, and decreasing stress.