Even though symptoms of hypertension may not be apparent, some signs that something is amiss may consist of headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath. The problem is that these symptoms are common among other types of medical conditions. A person can have high blood pressure for years without showing symptoms – but this silent killer is easily detected by having your blood pressure tested regularly.
Hypertension is serious and may increase the risk of medical conditions involving the brain, kidneys, and heart. In fact, it is the major cause of premature deaths around the world. More than a billion people (or 1 in 8) currently have hypertension worldwide.
Contributing factors to high blood pressure
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High salt diet
- More than one alcohol beverage daily on a regular basis.
- Genetics/family history
- Stress
- Adrenal disease
- Sleep apnea
Lipids are fat in the blood. The main two lipid types are fatty acids and cholesterol. Lipids join with protein and form lipoproteins which are vital because lipoproteins create energy. There are three (3) types of lipoproteins which are commonly referred to as cholesterol.
- High-density lipid/cholesterol (HDL) is considered good cholesterol because it keeps lipoproteins from sticking to the arteries. An easy way to remember that is the “good cholesterol” is “H” is for healthy.
- Low-density lipid/cholesterol (LDL) is considered the bad cholesterol because too much can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The way to remember this on is the “L” is for lousy/bad.
- Very-low density lipid/cholesterol (VLDL).
When cholesterol levels are abnormally high, this condition is referred to as a “lipid disorder”.
Causes of high lipids:
- Consuming excess amounts of fat in their diet.
- Inherited.
- Abnormally high blood pressure.
- Medical issues such as alcoholism, diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease.
- Uncontrolled stress.
What does lipid management involve?
- Eating less fat by removing chicken skins, stay away from deep fried foods, purchase lean cut of meat, eat less dairy products, and add more fiber rich foods to your diet.
- Exercise frequently including walking, running, and swimming. Exercise not only lowers cholesterol but it also lower blood pressure, sugar levels, and stress.
- Stop smoking.
- Drop excess pounds.
If high levels of lipids do not improve within a few months of the above mentioned lifestyle changes, then medication may be deemed necessary. Call our office today at 949-650-0616 to get your lipid levels checked and let us help you learn to live a healthy lifestyle.
