Meds Are Not Always the Answer
Doctors typically prescribe blood-pressure meds when a patient’s readings approach or exceed hypertension levels. I remember a conservation I had with my doctor about my blood pressure readings at around the same time I was preparing to begin training to become a personal trainer.
My doctor at the time expressed concern and advised me he’d like to start me on blood pressure pills. Knowing the physical training I was about to undergo, I asked for a reprieve. My doctor agreed, urging me to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments to keep me off meds. I complied.
The point is simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.
Moreover, meds are not always the answer, given their history of causing side-effects.
Disclaimer: I am not suggesting you refuse blood pressure medication. Consult with your doctor and make an informed decision.
Weight-loss is the X-Factor
This is unequivocal: the harder your heart has to work to pump blood throughout the body, the higher your blood pressure. Dropping excessive weight can make a crucial difference. Here’s the good news: we’re not even talking about massive weight loss! The more the merrier; but, studies show that even losing just five percent of your total body weight can result in a significant drop in blood pressure.
I can attest to this principle. After my aforementioned program, I lost 8-10lbs and my systolic pressure dropped a minimum 15 points.
African Americans and blood pressure: time to make a change!
This talented brother is a holistic lifestyle exercise expert and founder and executive coach of Infinite Strategies LLC, a multi-level coaching firm that develops and executes strategies for fitness training, youth achievement and lifestyle management. Eric is an author, fitness professional, holistic life coach and motivational speaker.
In October 2015, Eric released Life’s A Gym: Seven Fitness Principles to Get the Best of Both, which shows readers how to use exercise to attract a feeling of wellness, success and freedom (Infinite Strategies Coaching LLC, 2015) – http://www.infinitestrategiescoaching.com.
Article Appeared @http://thyblackman.com/2018/04/05/blood-pressure-and-african-americans-time-to-make-a-change/