PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — High blood pressure is known as the silent killer, but these lifestyle changes could help protect you.
We need to have our blood pressure checked to know if we have hypertension. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can weaken our hearts and increase the chances of heart attack or stroke.
There is no doubt that medications are a mainstay in protecting us, but there are other things you can do, whether in medicine or not. The obvious steps are regular aerobic exercise, not smoking, and less fatty foods.
There are certain things that are not as obvious. For instance, drinking alcohol to excess raises blood pressure, as well as consuming too many sugary beverages. Also, stay away from tropical oils like coconut and palm oils.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.