How to Prevent Hypertensive Heart Disease
Hypertensive heart disease is a type of heart disorder resulting from long-term, elevated blood pressure. Although treatment options do exist for hypertension, most doctors believe that focusing on preventative measures may be the best defense against this medical condition.
- Visit your doctor regularly. A primary care physician is able to monitor changes in weight, heart functioning and blood pressure. If you have a family history of hypertensive heart disease, your family doctor may recommend that you visit a heart specialist to start preventative treatment and testing.
- Change your diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grain products, while limiting your consumption of fat-laden dairy products. Increase the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids by including foods such as nuts, flaxseed and salmon in your diet. Avoid excessive intake of trans fats, saturated fats, sugar and sodium. Eat red meat sparingly.
- Break negative, damaging habits. Stop smoking by joining a smoking cessation group, using nicotine replacement therapy or trying a prescription drug for smoking addiction. Limit your total consumption of alcohol. Some studies show that certain alcoholic beverages, such as red wine, may have heart benefits. Most doctors agree that excessive alcohol use has a negative effect on the heart.
- Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day. Strenuous exercise is not necessary, but workouts should be intense enough to increase your heart rate.
- Monitor disorders that could contribute to the development of hypertensive heart disease. If you are diabetic, closely check your blood sugar levels to ensure they remain in the appropriate range.
- Start medication for high blood pressure. If your doctor feels that lifestyle changes alone will not lower your blood pressure, prescription medications may be necessary.