BEATING THE BLOOD PRESSURE BLUES FOR A HEALTHY HEART: WEIGHT REDUCTION

A large number of studies, both in America and around the world, have shown that obesity and hypertension are closely linked. The more weight one gains, the higher the blood pressure goes. Conversely, by losing that extra weight one can achieve a significant reduction in pressure. Try to get as close to your ideal body weight as possible. Yes, it’s hard to do at first, but it’s really worth the effort.
A recent study at the University of Mississippi has demonstrated that weight loss can be as effective as drugs in controlling mild hypertension. The 800 patients involved had diastolic pressures of 90 to 100. Some received a weight-reduction diet while others were given antihypertensive drugs. After six months, weight loss exceeding 4.5 kg equalled the benefits of the medication, with patients exhibiting a 12.1 drop in diastolic blood pressure. According to Dr Herbert Langford, the threshold of benefit appears to be 4.5 kg of weight loss. Of course the more the better, down to ideal body weight.
Dr Langford also found that weight loss boosted the effectiveness of drugs given to patients. Those losing more than 4.5 kg while on medications saw a fall of 18.6 in diastolic pressure.
Interestingly, the benefit of weight loss was found even in those patients who did not significantly restrict their alcohol or sodium consumption. This demonstrates that weight loss alone can be responsible for impressive hypertension control.
What’s the best way to achieve weight loss? Reducing the total fat intake, which is also the best way to control cholesterol, is the most effective path to permanent weight control. Fat represents the richest source of kilojoules in the diet. Simply put, if you don’t eat fat, you won’t be fat. An excellent way to both limit fat intake and cut total kilojoules for the day is through a sound program of meal replacement.
Weight reduction provides a number of benefits beyond hypertension control. You’ll see an automatic reduction in cholesterol levels. Diabetes is more easily controlled, and in many cases the need for medication is greatly lessened or even eliminated. And, very importantly, you’ll feel a lot better about yourself. Since self-esteem is such a vital part of recovery from heart disease, that element cannot be overemphasised.
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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol

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