A Silent Killer at Thanksgiving: How to Know If Your Blood Pressure is Spiking
Millions of lives are lost every year due to a silent killer lurking among us – hypertension, or high blood pressure. This week, Americans will gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, but many won't be aware that their social calendar and food supply are conspiring against them. Hypertension can claim millions, yet it's often overlooked until complications arise.
According to a new study published in The Lancet, the number of kids under 19 with high blood pressure has doubled worldwide since 2000. In the US, nearly half of Americans have hypertension – twice the rate from a generation ago. Yet, many people still don't know they have it. Only about half of those with hypertension are in control.
High blood pressure is a silent killer that can lead to heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, and even dementia. It also raises your risk of a deadly heart attack or stroke. But there's hope – by making simple lifestyle changes and using new technology, you can lower your blood pressure.
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner can easily have more sodium than any person is supposed to eat in an entire day. Lying on the couch for the entire afternoon after that meal isn't helping either. Doctors recommend the DASH diet as a good strategy for managing blood pressure. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, beans and nuts, and whole grains.
On the exercise front, working out is not always a foolproof weight-loss strategy – but it's proven to be effective in lowering your blood pressure. Walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and even dancing are all good options. Combine that classic "cardio" exercise with strength training and stretching routines like yoga for better results.
New wearable tech allows patients to monitor their blood pressure minute by minute. The Oura ring or Apple Watch can detect consistently high blood pressure, but it's not a substitute for regular check-ups. You may need to buy your own cuff like the one at your doctor's office – they cost as little as $40.
However, these new prototypes should not be used to diagnose hypertension or monitor and control it. They're effective in detecting serious cardiac events, but more research is needed. The good news is that high blood pressure is a health problem you can do something about. You just have to figure out whether you have a problem in the first place.
As you sit around the Thanksgiving table this year, remember that your blood pressure may be at risk – not from what you eat or drink, but from how much sodium and stress your daily life includes. By making changes now, you can keep your heart healthy and enjoy more years with loved ones.
Millions of lives are lost every year due to a silent killer lurking among us – hypertension, or high blood pressure. This week, Americans will gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, but many won't be aware that their social calendar and food supply are conspiring against them. Hypertension can claim millions, yet it's often overlooked until complications arise.
According to a new study published in The Lancet, the number of kids under 19 with high blood pressure has doubled worldwide since 2000. In the US, nearly half of Americans have hypertension – twice the rate from a generation ago. Yet, many people still don't know they have it. Only about half of those with hypertension are in control.
High blood pressure is a silent killer that can lead to heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, and even dementia. It also raises your risk of a deadly heart attack or stroke. But there's hope – by making simple lifestyle changes and using new technology, you can lower your blood pressure.
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner can easily have more sodium than any person is supposed to eat in an entire day. Lying on the couch for the entire afternoon after that meal isn't helping either. Doctors recommend the DASH diet as a good strategy for managing blood pressure. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, beans and nuts, and whole grains.
On the exercise front, working out is not always a foolproof weight-loss strategy – but it's proven to be effective in lowering your blood pressure. Walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and even dancing are all good options. Combine that classic "cardio" exercise with strength training and stretching routines like yoga for better results.
New wearable tech allows patients to monitor their blood pressure minute by minute. The Oura ring or Apple Watch can detect consistently high blood pressure, but it's not a substitute for regular check-ups. You may need to buy your own cuff like the one at your doctor's office – they cost as little as $40.
However, these new prototypes should not be used to diagnose hypertension or monitor and control it. They're effective in detecting serious cardiac events, but more research is needed. The good news is that high blood pressure is a health problem you can do something about. You just have to figure out whether you have a problem in the first place.
As you sit around the Thanksgiving table this year, remember that your blood pressure may be at risk – not from what you eat or drink, but from how much sodium and stress your daily life includes. By making changes now, you can keep your heart healthy and enjoy more years with loved ones.
I mean, think about it... Thanksgiving is literally the ultimate symbol of indulgence - overeating, staying up late watching football... it's a recipe for disaster when it comes to blood pressure 
. And we're not even talking about the turkey itself, which can be pretty salty 
. But seriously, how many people are aware that their social calendar and food supply can actually be contributing factors to high blood pressure? It's crazy! We need to start making some lifestyle changes now, like ditching the excessive sodium and finding ways to get more exercise without feeling like we're missing out on the fun 
. And let's not forget about those new wearable tech gadgets - it's game changing for people who want to take control of their health 
. But honestly, even with all these resources available, I think we still need to have some serious conversations about how we can make healthy habits a priority in our daily lives 
.
my aunt has always been super stressful to deal with, and eating all that extra cheese & turkey is gonna make me wanna just pass out 
. But seriously, high blood pressure is like the silent killer, ya know? Millions of people are at risk and nobody even knows they're in danger. I remember when my grandma had a stroke, it was so traumatic 
. Anyway, making those lifestyle changes doesn't sound too bad – I mean, who doesn't love fruits & veggies, right? 
And that new wearable tech is kinda cool, but we gotta be careful not to rely on it too much 
high blood pressure is literally a silent killer 
& u dont even know u have it till it's too late 
so make sure 2 check ur bp regularly especially after eating all that cheesy turkey and mashed potatoes 
& remember, exercise is key too! 
but dont rely on wearable tech alone 
u need to get a proper check-up at the doc's office too 
. Like, who actually takes the time to check their blood pressure? It's not like it's gonna be all or nothing, but I guess some people think they're invincible 
. And don't even get me started on the food – a whole day of sitting and stuffing your face is basically asking for heart problems 
. We should just sit back and enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner (aka our impending doom)