Key to a Healthy Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can run in families but it is also affected by obesity, exercise and the amount of salt regularly present in the diet. The British Heart Foundation says that lifestyle still remains the key to a healthy blood pressure.

However, recent research published in Nature by international researchers confirms a major breakthrough in understanding the role of genes in high blood pressure. There are more than 20 new sections of genetic code that are linked to blood pressure.

The lifestyle risks are well known but the genetic element of hypertension has been poorly understood. And, uncovering the genetic basis of blood pressure has revealed processes in the body which could one day be targeted with drugs.

The new findings are a welcome sign for the future by linking the genes to blood pressure control. However, your genes are only one piece of the puzzle. You are less likely to have high blood pressure if you stick to a healthy diet, do plenty of exercise, and maintain a healthy weight.

New Guidelines for Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home

New guidelines for patients with high blood pressure are on there way in England and Wales. A mobile device will record blood pressure over a 24 hour period. This home monitoring of blood pressure is likely to save the NHS an estimated £10.5M.

High blood pressure (blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or more) affects about a quarter of all adults in the UK. It is a leading risk factor for heart disease or stroke and costs the NHS about £1bn a year in drugs alone.

At the moment, GPs want the patient suspected of high blood pressure to visit the clinic at least twice and only then will the doctor will make a formal diagnosis. Only then will a patient is likely to prescribed blood pressure lowering medication.

Monitoring blood pressure at home could not be easier with modern digital monitors. Read our reviews of blood pressure monitoring devices for home use.

Exercise to a longer life or Watch TV to an early grave

recent research ahs suggested that just 15 minutes of daily exercise can do wonders for yor longivity. Another research on this topic has suggested that watching TV for long periods means increased chances of an early grave.

It is not common knowledge what 15 minutes exercise a day can do to improve our general health. We need to move around. Our body needs daily stimulation. Television is a modern disease, as are computers with hours of mindless social networking exchanges. Whatever happend to a game of kick about with a ball down the park. Doing nothing all week and then going for a jog is not a good idea.

An easy excuse is to say, I do not have time to exercise. Well, start at lunch times by going for a 20 minute brisk walk. Do this every day. Now you will see an improvement in your fitness levels.