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Has your doctor talked to you about blood pressure control? Specifically, has the doctor stressed how important diet and exercise are in bringing your BP numbers down? If not, you’re not alone. Doctors are less likely to counsel older Americans with high blood pressure on how lifestyle changes can lower their blood pressure than their younger patients.
"In a study published in The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, researchers looked over data from a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey of about 28,500 adults with hypertension. They found that 71.2 percent of those ages 40 to 59 received advice about healthy eating, compared to only 53.7 percent of those 60 and older. And among patients ages 40 to 59, 48.9 percent were told to reduce their alcohol intake, compared to just 35.1 percent of patients 60 and older.
“Lifestyle modification advice should always be the doctor's first step in treating a patient with high blood pressure, and this advice should not be abandoned at any point, in any group of hypertension patients,” lead author Dr. Anthony J. Viera said. If you have high blood pressure, make sure you discuss lifestyle changes, including your diet, with your doctor. In many cases of hypertension, lifestyle changes can lower or even eliminate your need for medication.
SOURCE: The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, National Library of Medicine
44818
2/08
The information provided is intended to help you make informed decisions. The Genworth Financial companies do not provide medical information, advice or recommendations. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen. Please note that Wellness partners, their products, services, and offers may change over time.
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