Being diagnosed with high blood pressure can be a life-changing affair at any age, one that potentially causes confusion, sadness, anxiety, stress, and even anger and frustration.
Older adults may find the repercussions of the diagnosis difficult to manage, as it may require some fairly major lifestyle changes.
High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is considered a chronic disease, and it needs to be taken seriously if it’s to be dealt with properly, or maybe even reversed in some cases.
If you’re lucky enough to have reached your golden years and you’re facing the prospect of a living with high blood pressure for the first time, there’s no need to panic, as there is plenty you can do to ensure you lead a healthy and happy life.
Plan with Your Doctor
If you have been told you have hypertension, then your doctor can help you with a plan that best suits your personal needs. This means developing an exercise plan, a dietary plan, a treatment plan, and possibly therapy if you struggle to cope with your diagnosis.
It’s imperative you follow the guidelines your healthcare provider lays out for you, as it can directly influence your health and help you manage your hypertension with ease.
Monitor Your Levels
A big change that will likely need to happen is the increased monitoring of your blood pressure levels by medical professionals and yourself at home.
A reliable monitor is a must; it is hypertension management made simple. A good monitor is a superb way to stay on top of your health, but it can enable you and your healthcare providers to work out a treatment plan with much greater accuracy, as you can keep real-time reports of your levels daily.
Exercise
Exercise is an extremely important part of what it means to live a happy and healthy life. There are some great exercises out there that can benefit people of all different ages and physical capabilities, so don’t hesitate to start looking for one that fits you.
Exercise is an intrinsic part of hypertension management, as it is proven to lower high blood pressure. If you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of exercise, then it’s worth talking to your doctor to establish a realistic routine for you. It doesn’t have to be complex; a brisk 20-minute walk can be enough to start making a positive change in your blood pressure.
Take Your Time
It can be difficult to make big changes of any kind, let alone when you need to make them to treat a health condition that carries risks with it. High blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia.
You don’t have to rush into a new regular exercise routine if you’re not ready. As long as you follow the advice of your healthcare providers and you take your medication, you’ll be fine.
Overdoing it can be just as bad as not making changes in the first place, so remember to put your health and your peace of mind first.
