May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, and for good reason. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that half of the adults in the United States have hypertension, and only 1 in 4 adults with hypertension has their condition under control. Hypertension is one of the most critical, and preventable risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Let’s take a closer look at this condition as well as ways to maintain healthy blood pressure.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure consists of two numbers; the top number refers to systolic pressure, while the bottom is the diastolic pressure. What does that mean?
Systolic refers to the pressure in your arteries when your heart pumps, squeezing blood through these vessels to the rest of the body. Diastolic, or the lower number, refers to the pressure in your arteries when the heart rests between those beats. Normal systolic pressure is below 120 mmHg, and diastolic is below 80 mm Hg. That means that readings above 120/80 are diagnosed as hypertension, which is a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease. When numbers are significantly elevated, such as 180/120 or higher, this can indicate a hypertensive crisis which can potentially cause a stroke.
Gender Differences
Studies published in the Journal of Hypertension have revealed that blood pressure tends to be higher in men than it is in women at similar ages. The Third National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey (NHANES III), also showed that men, in general, had a higher blood pressure than women throughout middle age. In addition, however, the NHANES III study also determined that in women, menopause is characterized by increases in blood pressure, to levels even higher than men.
Blood Pressure Impacts…
Hypertension is called the “silent killer,” because it often has no signs or symptoms. Checking blood pressure routinely and keeping levels in normal range is crucial. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and associated effects, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Enlarged heart
- Heart failure
- Kidney damage or failure
- Hardening and damage of arteries
- Erectile dysfunction
- Dementia
- Aneurysm
- Vision problems
Is high blood pressure inevitable with age?
Fortunately, it is not inevitable. While more common with age, hypertension is preventable, largely by those to work toward addressing key lifestyle factors:
- Exercise: Move more! Regular physical activity (150 minutes per week), has been shown to lower blood pressure. In fact, a study published in the journal Blood Pressure found that sedentary older adults who participated in aerobic exercise training lowered their blood pressure by an average of 3.9 percent systolic and 4.5 percent diastolic. These results are as good as some blood pressure medications. If you’re looking to improve energy and stamina and optimize your workouts, try Res-Q Orosine, which also helps to naturally lower blood pressure. Res-Q Orosine not only supports healthy blood pressure levels, but naturally boosts energy and stamina to optimize your workouts as well.
- Diet: Watch salt, and boost potassium. Limit processed foods, which tend to be higher in sodium, and consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are naturally higher in potassium.
- Cut back on caffeine: Caffeine can raise blood pressure 5-10mm Hg, so try checking your blood pressure 30 minutes after consumption to see if you are sensitive to its effects.
- Limit Alcohol: Alcohol intake, especially more than 1-2 drinks per day, can elevate blood pressure, so moderating intake is one way to keep levels in check.
- Quit Smoking: It’s a known fact that smoking increases blood pressure, so quitting is another way to naturally lower levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- De-stress: Under stress, our sympathetic nervous system is activated (“fight or flight” mode) and catecholamines are released that constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Consider Res-Q Stress Blocker to combat the harmful effects of stress.
- Sleep: Research shows that a lack of sleep or disrupted sleep increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. If you already have hypertension, poor sleep quality may make it worse. Res-Q PM spray or dissolvable tablets are a natural, effective way to improve sleep.
Key Supplements for Blood Pressure Support:
Res-Q Orosine: This powerhouse of ingredients supports cardiovascular health and helps to naturally lower blood pressure. Key ingredients, magnesium orotate and inosine, relax the endothelial cells lining blood vessels and are clinically proven to support blood pressure.
Res-Q Mg Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that is critical for many bodily functions, including blood pressure regulation. Studies have shown that magnesium supplements may help to lower blood pressure by the production of nitric oxide – a signaling molecule that helps to relax blood vessels. Stress has been shown to elevate blood pressure and deplete magnesium, so supplementation can help prevent or correct deficiencies and normalize blood pressure.
Res-Q CellPower: CoQ10 is a critical nutrient for heart health. Analyses of multiple studies have shown that CoQ10 has the potential to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. It’s thought that this occurs from CoQ10-related neutralization of free radicals, increasing the production of energy in cells, and helping to prevent the formation of blood clots.
Res-Q Omega-3s: Over the last 35 years, omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources have been studied in numerous high-quality clinical trials for their role in supporting healthy blood pressure. One mechanism for how this occurs is that EPA and DHA can increase the production of nitric oxide when incorporated into endothelial cell membranes. In addition, omega-3s reduce inflammation and diminish oxidative stress. As they do so, the production of nitric oxide is restored.
