PharmEasy Blog

Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure? A Research-Backed Examination

Key Highlights:

Introduction

Dehydration and high blood pressure are common health problems. They can both harm your body in different ways. Hence, it’s crucial to understand their link and how they work together. In this article, we’ll examine the tie between dehydration and blood pressure. We’ll study the evidence behind their connection and offer useful tips for good hydration and blood pressure levels.

We’re going to talk about what dehydration is, the basics of high blood pressure, and how these two relate. We’ll also look at how medicine can cause dehydration, how much water you should drink daily, and how lifestyle choices impact hydration and blood pressure. Finally, we’ll cover when to see a doctor and answer common questions about the topic.

Understanding Dehydration

So what exactly is dehydration? Is it just a dry mouth now and then, or is it more serious?

1. What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluids than it gets. This leads to a lack of water and electrolytesneeded for normal body functions. If you don’t replace the lost fluids, your body starts to dehydrate. This condition can be very harmful, especially for young children and older adults who are more at risk.

2. Causes of dehydration

Multiple factors can lead to dehydration:

3. Symptoms of dehydration in adults

Knowing the signs of dehydration is key. The early warning signs might vary depending on your age. Common signs in adults include:

4. Symptoms of dehydration in infants and young children

The symptoms of dehydration in infants and young kids can comprise:

5. Preventing dehydration

To keep yourself from getting dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids and eat fruits and vegetables that have a lot of water. It’s important to drink more water particularly when it’s hot, if you do a tough workout or if you’re not feeling well. Pay attention to your body and ensure you drink enough fluids.

Staying hydrated is very critical as dehydration can reduce the blood volume and consequently your blood pressure may fall too low and when left untreated low blood pressure can damage the heart or brain.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Did you know?

  • Dehydration can lead to complications such as altered mental status, renal failure, and lactic acidosis. source: NCBI 
  • In patients with dehydration and severe hyponatremia, rapid volume repletion may cause central pontine myelinolysis (CPM). source:  NCBI 
  • In elderly patients, fatigue and missed drinks between meals are predictors of dehydration. source: NCBI
  • Serum and plasma osmolality tests are commonly used to diagnose dehydration. source: NCBI 
  • Excess pure water loss through the skin, lungs, and kidneys can cause dehydration. source: NCBI 

High Blood Pressure: The Basics

Blood pressure is the force your blood puts on the walls of your arteries and veins. Let’s dig into the basics of high blood pressure or hypertension.

1. Definition of high blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure, which goes by the name hypertension, is when the force of your blood pushing against your blood vessel walls is higher than the normal range 120/80 mm HgIt affects about one in three American adults.

2. Causes and risk factors

Many things can lead to high blood pressure:

3. Symptoms and complications

Often, you can’t tell if you have high blood pressure. But if it’s not treated, it can cause serious problems like stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, and loss of sight.

4. Prevention measures

To keep from having high blood pressure, try to make healthy lifestyle choices like:

In my experience I have found that dehydration is always accompanied by loss of fluid from blood vessels which leads to a low volume state called hypovolemic shock and is always accompanied by low blood pressure.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

The Link Between Dehydration and Blood Pressure

Let’s look at how dehydration might change blood pressure. It can lead to both low and high blood pressure.

1. How dehydration affects blood pressure

Dehydration can change blood pressure in various ways:

2. Dehydration and low blood pressure

If dehydration causes a large drop in your blood volume, you can get a type of low blood pressure called hypotension. With less blood volume, your blood can’t reach all your body tissue the way it should. Very severe dehydration can lead to a very dangerous condition called hypovolemic shock.

3. Dehydration and high blood pressure

Dehydration can also cause high blood pressure, known as hypertension. Your body lets out vasopressin when you’re dehydrated, which tells your kidneys to keep more water and makes your blood vessels tighten. Both of these can raise your blood pressure.

4. The role of body hydration in regulating blood pressure

Hydration plays a key part in controlling blood pressure. You need plenty of fluids to keep your blood volume right and make sure your organs and tissues work properly. Staying well-hydrated can help avoid both low and high blood pressure and improve your overall health.

The Role of Medication

While medicines and drugs play an important role in handling high blood pressure, some medicines can cause dehydration.

1. How certain medications can cause dehydration

Some medicines, including diuretics and certain other high blood pressure medications, can cause you to pee more, leading to dehydration. 

2. Blood pressure medications that cause dehydration

Some blood pressure drugs, like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), may cause dehydration as a side effect. If you take these drugs, you must drink enough fluid to keep yourself well-hydrated and control your blood pressure.

3. Managing medication-induced dehydration

If you take drugs that might cause dehydration, talk with your healthcare provider about how much fluid you should drink each day to stay well hydrated. They might suggest that you drink more fluids or perhaps alter your drug routine if needed.

How to Stay Hydrated

Keeping hydrated is key to all-around health and managing blood pressure. Do you know how much water you should drink each day?

1. How much water should you drink each day?

Every adult woman should drink 91 ounces (or 2.7 litres) of water daily and every adult man 125 ounces (or 3.7 litres), says the National Academy of Sciences. This includes both drinks and water-rich foods. That said, a person’s water needs may change based on things like their age, sex, weight, overall health, how much they exercise and the drugs they take.

2. Factors affecting daily water intake

Your water needs depend on many things, including:

3. What counts as hydration: different sources of water

Besides plain water, you can get your daily fluid intake from other drinks and foods:

4. Drinks to limit or avoid

You should control or avoid certain drinks to manage high blood pressure or dehydration, such as:

The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Blood Pressure and Hydration

Your diet, how much you exercise and other lifestyle choices can affect your high blood pressure and hydration levels.

1. The role of diet and exercise in managing hypertension and dehydration

Eating well and doing regular exercise can help you both stay hydrated and manage your blood pressure. Go for food and drinks rich in water to keep your fluids up and eat a balanced diet to manage your overall health and blood pressure.

2. Smart dietary choices to stay hydrated and manage blood pressure

Try to eat food and drinks rich in water, like:

Avoid foods high in sodium and bad fats, which can raise your blood pressure.

3. Physical activities and their impact on hydration and blood pressure

Doing regular physical activity can help keep a healthy blood pressure by making the heart stronger and improving circulation. Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of strong aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.

Remember to stay well hydrated before, during, and after exercise, and pay attention to your body’s thirst cues to know when to drink more.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You must know how to spot the signs of dehydration and high blood pressure and get medical help when needed.

1. Recognizing the symptoms of severe dehydration

Severe dehydration needs to be treated right away. Get professional help if you or a loved one presents:

Whenever you spot symptoms of low BP in an otherwise healthy person, ORS oral rehydration solution can be given immediately. It is important to prepare ORS with cooled and boiled drinking water or otherwise safe filtered drinking water. Follow the steps given on the pack. Keep checking blood pressure and blood sugar in people with hypertension and diabetes when managing low BP symptoms. Consult a doctor after giving initial care at home to avoid any complications.

2. When to consult a doctor for dehydration

Get in touch with your healthcare provider if you:

3. When to consult a doctor for high blood pressure

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you see high blood pressure readings again and again or have symptoms tied to high blood pressure (like severe headaches, chest pain or trouble breathing). They might suggest changes in your lifestyle, drugs or other steps to help you manage your blood pressure.

Conclusion

It’s critical to understand how dehydration and high blood pressure are linked for your total health. While dehydration can vary your blood pressure, it’s key to make sure you drink enough fluids every day to regulate your blood pressure and cut down on health problems that are related.

Make it a goal to stay hydrated, along with other healthy lifestyle choices like eating a balanced diet and getting regular physical activity. By controlling your hydration and blood pressure, you’ll be in a better place to keep up your general health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can not drinking enough water cause high blood pressure?

Not directly. But if you’re dehydrated a lot, it can be harder for your body to keep enough blood volume. This can narrow your blood vessels and raise your blood pressure as a result.

Does blood pressure go up when dehydrated?

Yes, when you’re dehydrated, your blood pressure could go up as a counter-effect to manage low BP. This happens due to the release of a hormone involved in keeping water.

How much does dehydration affect blood pressure?

It’s hard to say for sure how much dehydration can change blood pressure. However, being dehydrated from mild to severe can cause changes in blood pressure that might harm you.

What are the symptoms of dehydration and high blood pressure?

Signs of dehydration are severe thirst, peeing less often, dark peeing, feeling worn out, being confused or feeling dizzy. High blood pressure usually has no clear signs. But with very high blood pressure readings, people might have severe headaches, chest pain, hard time breathing, throwing up, anxiety, confusion, eyesight changes, and dizziness.

Can other drinks apart from water help in lowering blood pressure?

Yes, drinks like beet juice, tomato juice, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, low-fat milk, and tea might help keep or even lower blood pressure. However, you should drink these in addition to the daily water you need to drink, and make sure to ask your healthcare provider about what you should eat and drink based on your health and any restrictions.

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फास्टिंग ब्लड शुगर टेस्ट(Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Hindi): क्या है, खर्च, नॉर्मल रेंज, कैसे होता है, क्यों और कब

विवरण 

ब्लड शुगर फास्टिंग टेस्ट ब्लड सैंपल देने से ठीक 8 से 10 घंटे पहले उपवास करने के बाद आपके ब्लड शुगर लेवल को मापता है।

नमूना प्रकार

खून

उपवास/ खाली पेट रहना जरूरी 

हां। 8 से 10 घंटे तक

अन्य नाम 

एफबीएस, उपवास ग्लूकोज स्तर, उपवास ग्लूकोज टेस्ट, बीएस (एफ), fasting blood sugar test

खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण क्या है?

खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण एक खूनशर्करा परीक्षण है जो आपके शरीर में खूनशर्करा (blood sugar) के स्तर को निर्धारित करने में मदद करता है 8 घंटे से अधिक उपवास के बाद। अगर किसी व्यक्ति को डायबिटीज है तो ये स्तर ज्यादा होते हैं। खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण का परिणाम खूनमें ग्लूकोज के उच्च स्तर का संकेत देगा। 

स्वस्थ व्यक्तियों में, भोजन के माध्यम से ग्लूकोज का सेवन नहीं होने पर खूनशर्करा का स्तर गिर जाता है। व्रत रखने या थोड़ी देर में भोजन न करने की स्थिति में ब्लड शुगर लेवल कम हो जाता है। यदि आपको मधुमेह, मधुमेह या गर्भावधि मधुमेह है, तो आपका खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण परिणाम रीडिंग उच्च हो सकता है।

खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण क्यों निर्धारित किया जाता है?

खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण के उद्देश्य के लिए निर्धारित है –

  1. स्क्रीनिंग– स्क्रीनिंग परीक्षण गंभीर स्वास्थ्य मुद्दों के प्रारंभिक निदान और रोकथाम में मदद करने के लिए होते हैं। 30 से ऊपर के किसी भी व्यक्ति को मधुमेह के लिए वार्षिक स्क्रीनिंग मिलनी चाहिए।
  2. निदान – वयस्कों में मधुमेह या प्रीडायबिटीज का निदान करें। मधुमेह से ग्रस्त व्यक्ति के लिए या उच्च या निम्न खूनशर्करा के किसी भी लक्षण के साथ, खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण के परिणाम स्थिति के निदान में सहायक होंगे। 
  3. मॉनिटरिंग– किसी भी प्रकार के मधुमेह का निदान करने वालों को, चल रहे उपचार, आहार और जीवन शैली में संशोधनों की प्रभावशीलता की जांच करने के लिए उपवास खूनशर्करा के स्तर की नियमित निगरानी की आवश्यकता होती है।

खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण के लिए नमूना प्रकार

ब्लड शुगर फास्टिंग टेस्ट एक ऐसा टेस्ट है जो आपके ब्लड सैंपल लेकर किया जाता है। खूनशर्करा परीक्षण प्रक्रिया के लिए यह खूननमूना उपवास के 8 से 10 घंटे बाद तैयार किया जाता है। इस टेस्ट के साथ यूरिन शुगर टेस्ट, डायबिटीज के लिए एचबीए1सी और कुछ मामलों में लिपिड प्रोफाइल टेस्ट किया जा सकता है।

आपको कितनी बार खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण लेना चाहिए?

खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण निम्नलिखित मापदंडों के आधार पर दोहराया जाता है –

इन स्थितियों में से प्रत्येक के लिए आवृत्ति इस प्रकार है – 

खूनशर्करा उपवास परीक्षण के अन्य नाम

Read in English – (Fasting Blood Sugar Test): Overview, Sample Type and more!

टेस्ट समावेशन: खून शर्करा उपवास परीक्षण में कौन से पैरामीटर शामिल हैं?

Test Samaveshan – Kya parameter shamil hai?

ब्लड शुगर फास्टिंग टेस्ट अंतिम भोजन के 8 से 10 घंटे बाद आपके शरीर में ब्लड शुगर के स्तर को मापता है। 

खून शर्करा उपवास परीक्षण क्या मापता है?

8 से 10 घंटे तक कोई भी भोजन न करने के बाद उपवास खून शर्करा परीक्षण आपके खून शर्करा के स्तर को मापता है। जब कोई व्यक्ति कुछ खाता है, तो भोजन से ग्लूकोज निकल जाता है और खून प्रवाह में अवशोषित हो जाता है। मानव शरीर ऊर्जा के उत्पादन के लिए आपके शरीर की कोशिकाओं को खून से ग्लूकोज के उत्थान की सुविधा के लिए इंसुलिन का उत्पादन करता है। जब किसी व्यक्ति को टाइप 2 डायबिटीज, गर्भकालीन डायबिटीज  या प्रीडायबिटीज होता है, तो शरीर की कोशिकाएं इंसुलिन के प्रति अच्छी प्रतिक्रिया नहीं देती हैं – एक ऐसी स्थिति जिसे इंसुलिन प्रतिरोध (insulin resistance)  कहा जाता है और अग्न्याशय (pancreas) आवश्यकता से अधिक इंसुलिन का उत्पादन करने के लिए अधिक काम करता है। टाइप वन डायबिटीज में पैंक्रियास इंसुलिन नहीं के बराबर बनाते हैं इस वजह से ब्लड शुगर बढ़ा हुआ पाया जाता है। यह परीक्षण खून में ग्लूकोज के स्तर को मापने में मदद करता है आमतौर पर रात भर उपवास के बाद।

खून शर्करा उपवास परीक्षण किसके लिए निर्धारित है?

खून शर्करा उपवास परीक्षण सभी लिंगों और आयु समूहों के लिए समान रूप से सलाह दी जाती है। निम्नलिखित स्वास्थ्य स्थितियों का निदान करने के लिए एक खून शर्करा उपवास परीक्षण का उपयोग किया जाता है – 

मधुमेह के उच्च जोखिम वाले लोगों को उपवास खून शर्करा परीक्षण कराना चाहिए। आप मधुमेह के विकास के लिए जोखिम में हैं अगरः

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल (FAQs)

Q1- खून शर्करा परीक्षण के लिए कितने घंटे उपवास की आवश्यकता होती है?

Ans- ब्लड शुगर फास्टिंग टेस्ट के लिए 8 से 10 घंटे का उपवास जरूरी है। यह मूल्य खून शर्करा postprandial परीक्षण के लिए अलग है। इन 10 घंटों के दौरान आप पानी पी सकते हैं। नियमित दवाइयों की भी अनुमति है। कोई भी भोजन या पेय पदार्थ न  ले। 

Q2- मैं अपने उपवास ग्लूकोज को कैसे कम कर सकता हूं?

Ans- यदि उपवास खून शर्करा परीक्षण रिपोर्ट में उपवास ग्लूकोज का स्तर उच्च है, तो आपको डॉक्टर से परामर्श करना चाहिए। इसका मतलब है कि आपको प्रीडायबिटीज या डायबिटीज है। किसी भी मामले में, आपको दवा, आहार, व्यायाम और जीवन शैली में परिवर्तन के संयोजन की आवश्यकता होगी। इन बदलावों के लिए डॉक्टर की देखरेख की जरूरत होती है। एक डायबेटोलॉजिस्ट, एंडोक्रिनोलॉजिस्ट या एक एमडी फिजिशियन परामर्श करने के लिए सही व्यक्ति होगा।

Q3- उम्र के हिसाब से औसत खून शर्करा क्या है?

Ans- सभी वयस्कों के लिए, औसत खून शर्करा का स्तर सभी वयस्कों के लिए एक ही सीमा में रहता है। 200 मिलीग्राम / डीएल से नीचे एक यादृच्छिक खून शर्करा (rndom blood sugar) परीक्षण स्तर सामान्य है।फास्टिंग ब्लड शुगर जांच में 99 मिलीग्राम / डीएल से कम और 70 मिलीग्राम / डीएल से अधिक के खून शर्करा के स्तर को सभी वयस्कों के लिए सामान्य माना जाता है।

Q4- क्या 150 ब्लड शुगर का स्तर सामान्य है?

Ans- नहीं, रैंडम खून शर्करा परीक्षण को छोड़कर किसी भी खून शर्करा परीक्षण के लिए 150 मिलीग्राम / डीएल खून शर्करा का स्तर सामान्य नहीं है। उपवास खून शर्करा परीक्षण के लिए, 150 मिलीग्राम / डीएल उच्च है और मधुमेह को इंगित करता है। खून शर्करा परीक्षण के लिए, 150 मिलीग्राम / डीएल इंगित करता है।

Q5- यदि मेरी ब्लड शुगर अधिक है तो मुझे क्या खाना चाहिए?

Ans- वास्तविक पढ़ने और विभिन्न रिपोर्टों के संयोजन के आधार पर, यह भिन्न हो सकता है। उच्च खून शर्करा के लिए कोई आहार या दवा शुरू करने से पहले एक डॉक्टर और एक पंजीकृत आहार विशेषज्ञ से परामर्श करना उचित है। यह निर्धारित करना महत्वपूर्ण है कि आपके पास किस प्रकार का मधुमेह है। निदान भोजन के सेवन और खाद्य पदार्थों के प्रकार का मार्गदर्शन करेगा जिसका आप उपभोग कर सकते हैं।

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High Blood Pressure Vs Low Blood Pressure – Know The Difference!

According to the guidelines given by the American Heart Association, if the blood pressure falls in one of the below categories then the condition is called Hypertension:

Thus, Hypertension is nothing but high blood pressure and is a serious condition because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood into the body and if not controlled, can result in an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failures.

Similarly, Hypotension is low blood pressure. In this condition, the blood pressure typically falls below a Systolic value of 90 and a Diastolic value of 60.

Within prescribed limits, a low blood pressure reading is generally good. However, sometimes this condition can result in dizziness and tiredness. But if there are no adverse symptoms as such then there is nothing to worry about.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

While the exact causes of high blood pressure are still unknown, medical practitioners attribute this condition to certain factors namely:

  1. Obesity
  2. Excessive alcohol consumption
  3. Increases salt intake
  4. Smoking
  5. Diabetes
  6. Genetics
  7. Stress
  8. Ageing

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

The dropping of blood pressure is a normal scenario. However, certain conditions cause low blood pressure for an extended period such as:

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

While high blood pressure doesn’t show any severe symptom (which is why it is also called a ‘silent killer’) as such, it is sometimes observed that some people suffering from high blood pressure do show signs of sweating, sleeping problems, and anxiety. However, if the Hypertensive crisis condition is reached, the patient may suffer from nose bleeding and headaches.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Some noticeable symptoms that should raise alarm bells include:

Also Read: Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure? A Research-Backed Examination

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

While many doctors prescribe medication to deal with high blood pressure, generally, it is best treated by bringing about a change in lifestyle and improving dietary choices.

Some lifestyle adjustments include:

Doctors generally also recommend a ‘DASH – Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet for high blood pressure patients who adhere to the above lifestyle adjustments.

Also read: Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Treatment for Low Blood Pressure

Simple, good to implement practices that prevent low blood pressure which includes :

  1. Limit the intake of alcoholic beverages.
  2. Increase the intake of water during hot, torrid weather conditions and especially when down with a viral infection.
  3. Adhere to a high-salt intake diet.
  4. Participate in regular physical activities to augment blood flow.
  5. Avoid standing or sitting in one position for a long duration.
  6. Be prudent and cautious while arising from lying down and sitting position.
  7. To avoid periods of dizziness, try eating light and smaller meals at regular intervals and evade any strenuous activities immediately t eating.
  8. Cut down on your carbohydrate intake.
  9. Consult a doctor on the usage of elastic stockings that cover your calf and thigh area. This may help in restricting the blood flow to the lower part of the body thereby keeping more blood in the upper part.

WAYS TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE:

High blood pressure can rightfully be described as a ‘silent killer’. This is because there are rarely any high blood pressure symptoms but it poses a major threat of heart-related ailments like stroke. Some of the ways in which you can lower your high blood pressure without medications are as follows:

Also Read: Signs to Stop Water Fasting: Boundary Between Health and Harm

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Ref

https://www.who.int/health-topics/hypertension#tab=tab_1

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/low-blood-pressure-when-blood-pressure-is-too-low

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Decoding The Right Diet For High BP

No diet discussion for High Blood pressure is complete without talking about the DASH diet.

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

This diet is relatively simple and involves:

Reducing the consumption of food items that are high in cholesterol, trans fats, and saturated fat.

Another favourite variation of the DASH diet is the DASH-Sodium diet. This diet refers to cutting the sodium intake per day (to about 2-3 teaspoons, 1500 milligrams). While this reduction doesn’t need to be immediate, you can gradually reduce the sodium intake till your body adjusts to this prescribed goal.

Tips to adapt to the DASH diet:

Consult a dietician or doctor before you put yourself on a DASH diet. That’s because he/she will accurately be able to tell you what should be your calorie intake per day to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Simultaneously, specific foods that you need to avoid include:

Many doctors also recommend a Mediterranean Diet to keep blood pressure and heart ailments at bay.

Some common traits of this diet include:

  1. Low to moderate consumption of wine and alcohol.
  2. Increased consumption of fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, bread, cereals, and potatoes
  3. Olive oil to be consumed as a single monounsaturated source of fat
  4. Consumption of egg restricted to about four times a week to the maximum
  5. Significant reduction in red meat consumption
  6. Fish, dairy products, and meat to be consumed in limited to low amounts

Many attribute the benefits of this diet as the sole reason for a low rate of heart diseases in the Mediterranean countries. However, the American Heart Association suggests that further studies and experiments need to be conducted to quantify the benefits of this diet.

Also Read: Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure? A Research-Backed Examination

Keep a track

Many dieticians also suggest tracking how many calories you are eating and drinking per day. Write down whatever you consume each day, this also includes jotting down the portion sizes. It is said that this is one of the best ways to enlighten yourselves about much you are consuming. On the basis of this analysis, you can then work out a plan – on reducing the calorie count and the portion size and finally your blood pressure too!

Also Read: What is the BRAT Diet? Breaking Down its Pros and Cons

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

References

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32330233/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482514/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19843201/
  4. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations

Health Tips For People With High Blood Pressure

The best way to combat lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity are almost always through lifestyle changes. Get more exercise and eat more foods that reduce the risk of heart disease and you will observe drastic improvements in your health.

List of foods high in cholesterol and bad fats to avoid

The general rule in this regard is to avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats as well as foods that are high in sodium (salt). In many cases, there is an overlap of foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Knowing what to eat and what to avoid can help you make healthy dietary choices.1

Here are some examples of foods that are bad for people with high blood pressure:

Butter

Processed foods (especially with hydrogenated oils)

Pastries, cakes

Deep-fried food (potato chips, french fries, samosas, bajji, boondi, etc.)

Certain cuts of pork, beef and mutton

Processed grains

Mayonnaise, ketchup

A few ways have been shown scientifically to reduce blood pressure. The first, and perhaps most important, is to stay physically active. Losing weight also can be important in a lot of different people. Limiting alcohol, reducing sodium intake, and increasing dietary potassium intake can all help.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Monitoring salt intake is important for people with high blood pressure.

You should look to limit your salt intake to less than 1 teaspoon a day if you have high blood pressure.2 In order to make this easy, try the following steps.

Eat more food that does not need salt to taste good.

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Avoid salty snacks

Do not keep a salt shaker on your dining table.

Do not eat outside, especially at fast-food restaurants.

Use salt substitutes if you have salt restrictions like pepper, lemon, garlic, chilli, pudina, amchur powder, onion, ginger and kokum.

Alcohol and smoking – No no for high blood pressure

There is an overwhelming consensus that both alcohol and smoking are bad for you and your heart. Softer arteries are signs of a healthy heart. Normally, our arteries stiffen or grow less elastic as we grow older. Research indicates that regular smoking and alcohol consumption accelerates the rate at which our arteries stiffen. Alcohol accelerates arterial stiffness faster than smoking and as a combo, the effect is enhanced.3

Stiffer arteries increase the risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Reducing or quitting tobacco and alcohol can relieve some of the stiffness in your arteries, especially if you are starting to have complications due to it. Smoking also affects the lungs, which can cause the heart to work harder to oxygenate the blood for distribution.

How healthy your lungs are? Click here to find out

In a nutshell:

Also Read: Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure? A Research-Backed Examination

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

References

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22583051/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8619602/#:~:text=An%20interaction%20between%20alcohol%20and,hypertension%20may%20be%20considerably%20lowered
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8619602/#:~:text=An%20interaction%20between%20alcohol%20and,hypertension%20may%20be%20considerably%20lowered

4

Erectile Dysfunction & Diabetes! Are They Connected? Know How

Erectile dysfunction and diabetes are deeply connected.  Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. For some men, the problem is that they cannot get an erection, while for others, it is that the erection doesn’t last long enough. While there may be many reasons as to why someone has erectile dysfunction and men who have diabetes get this condition within ten years of diagnosis. The onset of erectile dysfunction is in men under the age of 45 years, usually. Those who have heart problems or high blood pressure problems may begin to experience erectile dysfunction much earlier.

The Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes

Erectile dysfunction is not an unavoidable part of ageing, but if someone has diabetes, it is a matter of time before they begin to experience this problem. While most men may have moderate erectile dysfunction, a minority have a more severe form.

Diabetes is a chronic disease of having elevated sugar levels. These high levels cause tissue and nerve damage in the body apart from having adverse effects on many organs. Even the small blood vessels feel the brunt of high sugar levels.

An erection happens when the blood flow to the penis is increased. This is because of the release of nitric oxide in the blood when the man is sexually aroused. The brain and the local nerve impulses cause the penile muscles to relax so more blood can fill them up, causing an expansion in the penis and creating an erection.

Diabetes causes damage to the nerves and the blood vessels to the penis and thus affects erection. Also, high glucose levels reduce the amount of nitric oxide that gets released into the blood.

Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes

Several factors increase the risks of suffering from erectile dysfunction if you have diabetes. They are:

  1. Poor Management of Blood Sugar

If the blood sugar levels keep fluctuating, the chances of nerve and blood vessel damage is more.

  1. Stress

Those who suffer from anxiety have more problems of erectile dysfunction than others who are less stressed.

  1. Depression

Men who suffer from depression have more sexual problems than others.

  1. Poor Diet

Our diet has a significant impact on our health. Those who have erectile dysfunction increase their problems when they eat a poor diet that lacks nutrients and fibre.

  1. Smoking

Diabetes is tough to manage, and those who smoke suffer earlier from erectile dysfunction. Read more on the health effects of smoking.

  1. Hypertension

Those who cannot control their hypertension suffer earlier, almost half a decade earlier than those who have diabetes but don’t have hypertension. In short, hypertension is a contributing factor that enhances the chances of erectile dysfunction and diabetes.

  1. Weight

Those who are obese suffer earlier from erectile dysfunction.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes

If you feel you are having problems, you should talk to your doctor about erectile dysfunction. Diagnosis is made with a physical examination to check for nerve problems in the testicles or the penis. A blood test may also be done. Either your doctor will prescribe the medicines, or he may refer you to someone specializing in sexual dysfunction. If you have diabetes but do not suffer from erectile dysfunction, you could talk to your doctor about the possibility of the issue in the future. Do inform your doctor of past allergies to medication, if any.

Treatment typically involves oral medication. These medicines increase the blood flow to the penis and the testicles. They do not react to diabetes medicines. There are other options like pumps and implants, but these are far less effective and with more complications than oral medication. Hormone and penile injection therapies are also employed in more difficult cases. However, always consult a doctor and never self-medicate.

Prevention

Research has shown that adopting a good lifestyle helps in staving off erectile dysfunction. Just because one has diabetes doesn’t mean that it is the end of your sexual health. These lifestyle improvements help to deal with diabetes and lower the risk of having erectile dysfunction.

  1. Controlling Blood Sugar

Having a stable blood sugar level will help you prevent organ damage and damage to the nerves and blood vessels. You can stabilize blood glucose levels through a healthy diet. It will help improve your energy levels and mental health.

  1. Stop Smoking

Smoking constricts the blood vessels in the body and reduces the amount of nitric oxide produced in the blood. Quit the habit immediately to stop your erectile dysfunction from worsening. Read more about tips to quit smoking.

  1. Lose Weight

Even a small amount of weight loss will help you control your diabetes and, in turn, reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. You will feel lighter, experience better moods and erections.

Men with diabetes are 3x more likely to have trouble getting or keeping an erection. There can be several reasons for this, such as limited blood flow, nerve damage (neuropathy) and damaged blood vessels. It can also be down to medication or just how you’re feeling at the time.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
  1. Exercise

Getting active will help you to reduce your sugar levels, improve blood circulation to various organs and feel increased energy levels. It will help you lose weight and feel better about yourself. Read more about the health benefits of exercise.

  1. Reduce Your Stress Levels

Stress hampers sexual arousal and may be the reason why you have erectile dysfunction. Many activities like meditation, yoga, exercising, listening to music and others help in reducing stress levels. Find your niche and engage in the activities that you enjoy. If you feel you are feeling anxious or depressed, consult your doctor. Read more different types of relaxation exercises that help fight stress.

  1. Catch Up on Sleep

Fatigue is another reason that causes erectile dysfunction. Ensure that you get your seven hours of sleep. Resting and sleeping sufficiently helps to manage diabetes and reduces blood sugar levels.

  1. Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Regular consumption of alcohol leads to blood vessel damage and causes high sugar levels. Also, it has been proven that while liquor increases your craving for sex, it reduces the ability to have sexual arousal. Smoking also increases the desire for smoking, which causes more harm to the body.

Conclusion

If you are noticing problems in having an erection, talk to your doctor. It might seem like an awkward conversation, but not having it will create more complications. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes have no one treatment as one treatment do not fit all, so your doctor will chalk out a strategy that will take into account your diabetes, blood pressure, and other medications. Speak to a doctor before taking any medication, as certain medicines may have severe side effects. The only way to ward off erectile dysfunction is by staying healthy, stabilizing your blood sugar levels and quitting smoking.

Also Read: Male Yeast Infection: An In-depth Look at Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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How Does High Blood Pressure Affect The Human Body?

Hypertension or high blood pressure is when the person has a blood pressure of more than 140/90 mmHg. Experts say that India will soon become the art disease capital of the world.

  1. About 33% of urban Indians and 25% of rural Indians suffer from high blood pressure.
  2. High blood pressure is considered the third most important factor for the attributable burden of disease in South Asia. (Source)
  3. More than 50% of death due to stroke and almost 25% of deaths due to coronary heart disease are due to high blood pressure.
  4. High blood pressure is considered one of the primary causes of premature death by the World Health Organization.
  5. More than one-fifth of men and an equal number of women are suffering from hypertension.
  6. One in every 11 Indians is suffering from high blood pressure and related problems.
  7. Women will surpass men suffering from high blood pressure by 2025.
  8. Earlier, the non-controllable factors like the genetic constitution, age, and gender were responsible for susceptibility to high blood pressure. Now, modifiable risk factors like physical inactivity, diet, and stress contribute to the risk of getting hypertension.
  9. Most people exhibit no symptoms, and this is why hypertension is known as the Silent Killer. Some people might experience symptoms of dizziness, nose bleeds, chest pain, and heart palpitations.
  10. Heart disease, a direct consequence of high blood pressure, is getting prevalent in the younger Indians. Now men and women, as young as 25 years, are falling prey to hypertension.
  11. Unhealthy eating habits, dependence on fast food and processed food, high level of stress, and physical inactivity are responsible for the trend of the younger population suffering from high blood pressure.
  12. A sedentary lifestyle without any exercise routine increases the risk of getting problems related to high blood pressure by two times.
  13. The amount of Indians suffering from high blood pressure has been steadily increasing for the last 50 years.
  14. Kidney failure, vision loss, blood vessels rupture and impairment of cognitive functions are potential complications arising from having a persistent hypertensive condition.
  15. Eating fresh and healthy food and on time, having an active lifestyle and controlled consumption of alcohol can reduce the risks of getting hypertension significantly.

Also Read: Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure? A Research-Backed Examination

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Understanding High Blood Pressure In Elderly Adults

Hypertension in seniors: Age brings along the freedom from many a responsibility but also carries the risk of many a chronic disease. Diabetes and  High blood pressure are the most typical concerns that plague our elderly.

Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of our blood vessels. A blood pressure reading is typically indicated with two numbers– the first one means the pressure of the blood when the heart is pumping (called systolic pressure) and the second number indicates the pressure in the blood  when the heart is resting between two beats (called diastolic pressure). Thus, the diastolic pressure is lower than the systolic pressure.

What Reading is Termed as High?

For an average person, a normal blood pressure reading would be 120/80, with 121-139/80-89 being prehypertension. 140/90 and anything over it is termed as high blood pressure or hypertension.

However, a slightly higher range of blood pressure (140-150/90-96) is still acceptable for older adults. This is because the blood vessels tend to stiffen with age making it indispensable to have the higher blood pressure to ensure sufficient blood supply to all the organs, specifically the heart and brain.

Effects of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be fatal and damage the brain, heart, or kidney. Quite often, people do not even know that they are suffering from high blood pressure until some significant problem with the kidney, heart, or brain crops up. Thus, high blood pressure is also called a ”silent killer.”

High blood pressure is a severe cause of concern as it can cause the optical nerve to burst, leading to blindness; kidney or heart failure can occur as the arteries bulge, especially those in the brain, legs, kidneys, and heart, leading to a stroke or heart attack.

What  are the Reasons for  High BP in Old Age?

Hypertension in seniors has many causes – being overweight, medicinal side-effects, genetic tendency, prehypertension, diabetes, sedentary life, stress can all lead to high blood pressure; however, most often the cause of high blood pressure might remain unknown.

Low blood pressure called as hypotension is equally important medically and requires medical intervention as the common signs of low blood pressure like blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, fainting are neglected and might lead to complications if left untreated.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

How to Manage High BP in Old Age?

Switching to a healthy lifestyle is the only path forward where  high blood pressure in seniors is concerned. The following changes can show positive effects

High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause these thin-walled arteries to rupture, releasing blood into the brain tissue. That’s why it’s important to check BP regularly and take medicines.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Read More: How to Control High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a chronic condition, and one has to take the medications lifelong. At the same time, it is imperative to:

Remember, a stitch in time saves nine. Take care of today and every day to avoid serious health complications later.

Also Read:  Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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3

Decoding The Right Diet For High BP

No diet discussion for High Blood pressure is complete without talking about the DASH diet.

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

This diet is relatively simple and involves:

Reducing the consumption of food items that are high in cholesterol, trans fats, and saturated fat.

Another favourite variation of the DASH diet is the DASH-Sodium diet. This diet refers to cutting the sodium intake per day (to about 2-3 teaspoons, 1500 milligrams). While this reduction doesn’t need to be immediate, you can gradually reduce the sodium intake till your body adjusts to this prescribed goal.

You can start by eating foods rich in potassium, fibre and protein and avoiding foods rich in sodium. You can make these dietary changes gradually under the supervision of your family and healthcare provider.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Tips to adapt to the DASH diet:

Consult a dietician or doctor before you put yourself on a DASH diet. That’s because he/she will accurately be able to tell you what should be your calorie intake per day to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Simultaneously, specific foods that you need to avoid include:

Many doctors also recommend a Mediterranean Diet to keep blood pressure and heart ailments at bay.

Did you know that being physically active can help you keep your blood pressure in a safe range and also help you avoid heart disease and stroke? You can club a healthy diet with regular physical activity to keep your blood pressure in check.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Some common traits of this diet include:

  1. Low to moderate consumption of wine and alcohol.
  2. Increased consumption of fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, bread, cereals, and potatoes
  3. Olive oil to be consumed as a single monounsaturated source of fat
  4. Consumption of egg restricted to about four times a week to the maximum
  5. Significant reduction in red meat consumption
  6. Fish, dairy products, and meat to be consumed in limited to low amounts

Many attribute the benefits of this diet as the sole reason for a low rate of heart diseases in the Mediterranean countries. However, the American Heart Association suggests that further studies and experiments need to be conducted to quantify the benefits of this diet.

Keep a track

Many dieticians also suggest tracking how many calories you are eating and drinking per day. Write down whatever you consume each day, this also includes jotting down the portion sizes. It is said that this is one of the best ways to enlighten yourselves about much you are consuming. On the basis of this analysis, you can then work out a plan – on reducing the calorie count and the portion size and finally your blood pressure too!

Also Read: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Causes & Diagnosis  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

References

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32330233/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482514/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19843201/
  4. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations

Can Farting Help You Reduce High Blood Pressure?

A lot of people often say that letting loose is the best way to deal with high blood pressure, but it now looks like letting one loose could be just as effective!

High blood pressure is one of the major health concerns for individuals and families across the world. The causes for this condition are many, ranging from age and diet to lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Experienced doctors often prescribe physical exercise and a non-sedentary lifestyle to help lower one’s blood pressure.

However, there seems to be a very unconventional way in which the body itself is regulating blood pressure. It may cause quite a stink in some circles, but it has been shown that foul-smelling farts may actually be the consequence of the body trying to cut down its blood pressure.

Excessive flatulence, or flatulence accompanied by pain in the abdomen or diarrhoea should be evaluated by a physician as it may be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease or gastroparesis.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

This was discovered in a study conducted at John Hopkins University, Maryland, the USA, which was reported widely by renowned publications such as the BBC. The study discovered that Hydrogen Sulfide, the chemical that adds the foul to a foul-smelling fart, was not only produced in the intestines, but also by an enzyme responsible for relaxing blood vessels.

It was earlier believed that Nitric Oxide was the sole chemical produced by the body that helped to regulate blood pressure by acting as a signalling molecule for the cardiovascular system. In fact, this discovery by three American scientists- Robert Furchgott, Louis Ignarro, and Ferid Murad, won the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1998.

Also Read: Why Does My Poop Smell So Bad? Unpacking Digestive Health Concerns

But it now looks like Hydrogen Sulfide also plays a similar physiological role in the human body. So much so that some scientists are now speculating that pharmaceutical companies may soon develop ‘fart pills’ that would be prescribed to those suffering from high blood pressure.

While all of these fart related medical miracles are being developed, it is important to remember that just farting alone will not save you. High blood pressure can also be dealt with by an active exercise regime, a good diet, and abstinence from smoking and alcohol. All of these changes combined could be just what your cardiovascular system needs to function smoothly once again.

Stretching the intestinal wall in young healthy people causes an increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity and in blood pressure called the gastrovascular reflex. Hence farting may help in temporarily reducing BP not on a long term.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

So, the next time you feel the need to break the wind, just close your eyes, let it out, and think about how good it is for your blood pressure. Let’s just hope that the people around you also appreciate the medical importance of your actions!

Also Read: Treating Hypertension : 5 Effective Ways

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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