The American Heart Association has released a new set of guidelines on blood pressure which are actually the first comprehensive guidelines to be issued in the last 10 years. According to the new report, health experts now recommend that high blood pressure should be treated earlier when it reaches 130/80 mm Hg rather than 140/90. As the the new guidelines nearly half of the population of the United States will have high blood pressure compared with 32 percent previously.
As per the new guidelines, high blood pressure will now be defined as readings of 130 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and higher for the systolic BP measurement, or readings of 80 and higher for the diastolic measurement. The old definition for high blood pressure indicated 140/90 and higher, reflecting complications that can occur at those lower numbers.
The new guidelines also lay more emphasis on using the proper technique to measure your blood pressure. According to experts, blood pressure levels should be based on an average of two to three readings on at least two different occasions
Here are five foods good for your heart that may also help in controlling high blood pressure.
1. Bananas: Bananas aren't just sweet and low in sodium; they're also rich in potassium which helps lower blood pressure.
2. Spinach: This green leafy delight is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients like potassium, folate, magnesium - key ingredients for lowering and maintaining blood pressure levels.
3. Celery: Some studies have shown that celery may help in lowering high blood pressure. It contains phytochemicals known as phthalides that are known to relax the muscle tissue in the artery walls, enabling increased blood flow and, in turn, lowering blood pressure.
4. Oats: Foods high in fiber such as oats and whole grains are known to keep your blood pressure at healthy levels. They help reduce both your systolic and diastolic pressure.
5. Avocados: The oleic acid found in avocados can reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also contain potassium and folate that are essential for heart health.
If you suffer from high blood pressure, it is important to consult your doctor or a nutritionist to chart out a healthy diet plan for you.
Inputs from PTI
As per the new guidelines, high blood pressure will now be defined as readings of 130 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and higher for the systolic BP measurement, or readings of 80 and higher for the diastolic measurement. The old definition for high blood pressure indicated 140/90 and higher, reflecting complications that can occur at those lower numbers.
The new guidelines also lay more emphasis on using the proper technique to measure your blood pressure. According to experts, blood pressure levels should be based on an average of two to three readings on at least two different occasions
Here are five foods good for your heart that may also help in controlling high blood pressure.
1. Bananas: Bananas aren't just sweet and low in sodium; they're also rich in potassium which helps lower blood pressure.
2. Spinach: This green leafy delight is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients like potassium, folate, magnesium - key ingredients for lowering and maintaining blood pressure levels.
3. Celery: Some studies have shown that celery may help in lowering high blood pressure. It contains phytochemicals known as phthalides that are known to relax the muscle tissue in the artery walls, enabling increased blood flow and, in turn, lowering blood pressure.
4. Oats: Foods high in fiber such as oats and whole grains are known to keep your blood pressure at healthy levels. They help reduce both your systolic and diastolic pressure.
5. Avocados: The oleic acid found in avocados can reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also contain potassium and folate that are essential for heart health.
If you suffer from high blood pressure, it is important to consult your doctor or a nutritionist to chart out a healthy diet plan for you.
Inputs from PTI
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