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How to Stay Healthy in a Heatwave

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Heatwave🌞

Posted by A&D Medical |

The United Kingdom is no stranger to the occasional heatwave, and when the sun decides to make an extended appearance, it’s crucial to look after your health. If you have hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions, the soaring temperatures can have an impact on your blood pressure. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the UK heatwave can affect your blood pressure and provide tips on staying healthy during hot weather.

Wherever you’re reading this from, we hope you have a good fan! If you have the luxury of air-con, the A&D team in the office are very jealous.

Dehydration Dilemma

One of the most significant factors contributing to blood pressure fluctuations during a heatwave is dehydration. The hot weather can make you sweat more, leading to increased fluid loss. Dehydration can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. To counter this effect, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Watch Your Salt Intake

During a heatwave, you might find yourself reaching for salty snacks or processed foods. However, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure. To keep your blood pressure in check, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce your consumption of high-sodium foods.

The Vasodilation Effect

Heat causes your blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure. While this is a natural response to heat, it’s essential to avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours. Protect yourself by wearing appropriate clothing and using sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun.

Beware of Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke can have a significant impact on your blood pressure. To prevent these conditions, stay cool by using fans or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure

If you have a home blood pressure monitor, now is an excellent time to use it regularly. Keep a close eye on your blood pressure during the heatwave and report any significant changes to your healthcare provider. Monitoring your blood pressure can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health.

In conclusion, while everyone’s response to heat is different, being proactive about your health during a UK heatwave is essential, especially if you have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular concerns. Remember to stay hydrated, watch your salt intake, protect yourself from the sun, and be mindful of any heat-related symptoms. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Stay safe, stay cool, and take care of your well-being during this hot spell!

#HeatwaveHealth #BloodPressureAwareness #StayCool

6 Ways to Reduce Hypertension: World Hypertension Day

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Are you aware of the impact hypertension can have on your health?

May 17th marks World Hypertension Day, a global initiative to raise awareness of hypertension and promote hypertension prevention, detection, and control. 

Over 30% of the adult population in the world and more than a billion individuals worldwide suffer from hypertension. It is the main cause of heart disorders, especially coronary artery disease, and stroke. Additionally, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and dementia can all result from uncontrolled hypertension. Therefore, information regarding this illness should be shared widely. 

140/90mmHg or over – you may have high blood pressure

Most doctors use 140/90mmHg as the cut off for point for diagnosing high blood pressure (hypertension). This is the stage where the likelihood of encountering severe health issues escalates. They might prescribe medications and advise you to make changes to your lifestyle to bring your blood pressure down.

There are many ways to prevent hypertension, some ways include:

  • Get regular exercise 
  • Reduce salt intake 
  • Learn to manage tension or stress 
  • Take a well-balanced diet rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium 
  • Limiting alcohol consumption  
  • Avoiding tobacco use  

3 things to consider when choosing a home blood pressure monitor

Considerations include style, features and wireless capabilities

  • Style. Upper arm monitors are similar to those used in a doctor’s office. Wrist monitors are especially portable.
  • Features. Options range from simple ease of use to high-tech sophistication. One-touch monitors give a quick and easy-to-read result. Other monitors offer more features like built-in memory, which allows you to store your readings for a bigger long-term picture.
  • Wireless/Bluetooth®. Some monitors sync with a smartphone letting you store, chart and share your results easily.

5 things to know about checking your blood pressure at home

Tips from the British Heart Foundation :

  • Relax! Avoid caffeine or exercise 30 minutes before taking your BP.
  • Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported. Keep your feet flat and avoid crossing your legs, and support your arms on a flat surface with your upper arm at the level of your heart.
  • Measure at the same time every day. Try morning and evening, or both.
  • Take more than one reading and record the results. Take two or three readings, one minute apart each time.
  • Don’t take the measurement over thick or tight-fitting clothes. This one is simple.

For more information check out our previous blog post How to Measure Your Blood Pressure from Home | A&D Instruments UK (andprecision.com)

How A&D Medical can help

At A&D Medical, we are dedicated to improving hypertension awareness and management through our blood pressure monitoring solutions. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for understanding and managing hypertension. Our products include a range of blood pressure monitors, including wireless and other options, to suit a variety of needs and lifestyles. 

To support World Hypertension Day, we encourage everyone to check their blood pressure and spread awareness about hypertension in their communities.  

If you are interested in learning more about our blood pressure monitors, please visit our range of products.  

Doctor Checking Blood Pressure of a Patient

What is Hypertension?

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Hypertension affects more than 25% of adult population1Journal of Hypertension: October 2018 – Volume 36 – Issue 10 – p 1953–2041, doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001940, GUIDELINES in Europe.  It is a significant factor in increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease, vascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke.  Therefore, the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) issued updated guidelines in 2018 to improve hypertension treatment.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension occurs when there is a drastic increase in your blood pressure.  Your blood pressure is dependent on the work your heart is doing, as well as the blood vessels’ resistance.  Having high blood pressure means that your blood is applying a high amount of force against the walls of your blood vessels.  

Hypertension is also referred to as a silent killer, as in many cases, it comes with no warning symptoms or signs.  Over time, the pressure buildup results in the accumulation of damage that can be too much for your circulatory system to handle.  This results in severe health issues such as Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Dementia and Stroke.

Blood Pressure Numbers

In order to fully interpret your blood pressure readings, it is essential to understand how blood pressure is measured. Blood pressure can be measured by the following two numbers:

Systolic Number

The systolic number is the top number in a blood pressure reading. While your heart is beating, it transfers blood through your arteries as it squeezes. The force with which your blood travels throughout the body creates a certain pressure on your blood vessels.  The amount of pressure in your arteries during the contraction of your heart muscle is called the systolic number.

Diastolic Number

The diastolic number is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.  It indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats; the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.  It is during this time that the heart fills with blood and gets oxygen.

Both these numbers are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

Blood Pressure Categories

Your blood pressure categories are as follows:

Blood Pressure Categories European Society of Caridology / European Society of Hypertension Guidelines
  Systolic Measurement   Diastolic Measurement
Optimal <120 and <80
Normal 120-129 and/or 80-84
High-Normal 130-139 and/or 85-89
Grade 1 Hypertension 140-159 and/or 90-99
Grade 2 Hypertension 160-179 and/or 100-109
Grade 3 Hypertension ≥180 and/or ≥110
Isolated Systolic Hypertension ≥140 and <90

These updated guidelines are expected to ensure early detection and intervention of hypertension.  According to the new recommendations, blood pressure lowering drugs such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARB) or calcium channel blockers should be offered to patients with 10% or more risk of cardiovascular disease.  

Due to these updated guidelines, major positive changes could be made in the lives of hypertension patients and reduce blood pressure issues linked with age. The major aim of these new changes is to improve the process of management and detection of hypertension over the next ten years. While hypertension is common among adults, young individuals and children are also at risk.  The major cause of hypertension among youngsters is unhealthy lifestyle, including lack of physical activity and poor diet.  It is essential to start taking the right measures to prevent hypertension early on by making positive lifestyle changes such as adding regular exercise to your daily routine and eating foods that help to lower blood pressure.  Moreover, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor to discuss the right preventive measures and treatments for hypertension.

Equipment to Check Blood Pressure

New Guidance For Hypertension Consultation

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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has made a major change in the blood pressure guidance last published in 20111 Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) . The draft guidelines 2 Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management, Draft for consultation, March 2019 – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend the threshold of hypertension treatment should be reduced, which makes more than 450,000 men and 270,000 women eligible for blood pressure treatment.  This means that an increased number of individuals would be offered drugs to lower blood pressure as a means to prevent strokes and heart attacks. This guidance has been released for consultation till April, 30 and is expected to be finalized by August 2019.

Previous Guidelines and New Recommendations

According to the NICE recommended guidance from 2011, drugs for lowering blood pressure should be given to individuals under 80 years of age who are suffering from stage one hypertension and are at 20% or more risk of cardiovascular disease in the next ten years.

As per the new recommendations, NICE has recommended offering blood pressure lowering drugs to patients with 10% or more risk of cardiovascular disease.

Stage one hypertension is when there isn’t any identifiable reason behind the increase in blood pressure.  It might be associated with different factors, including genetics, physical activity, salt intake, or obesity.

According to the guideline committee chairman, Anthony Wierzbicki 3 Thousands set to benefit from blood pressure treatment under new NICE guidance – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) , these changes in the guidelines have resulted in updating the previous recommendations for early intervention of hypertension and is expected to make major differences in the lives of patients suffering from this condition.

The Reason

The recommended new guidelines will shift the focus effectively towards early intervention with either drug treatment or lifestyle treatment.  The aim is to reduce the age-related blood pressure issues and help patients live a longer life with reduced need for consuming multiple drugs.

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of strokes and heart attacks in the country, but countless individuals are not undiagnosed.

The early diagnosis of blood pressure will result in earlier treatment and prevention as per the NICE recommended guidelines, which will save the lives of thousands while also enhancing the quality of their lives.  This is the aim of the new changes in the guidelines and to enhance the management and detection of high blood pressure in the next ten years.

Taking these steps for preventing cardiovascular disease is an important step to safeguard their long-term well-being and health.

Concerns Regarding New Recommendations

While these new guidelines will help with the early detection, many experts have raised concerns about unintended harm and over-diagnosis issues of offering prescribed medications to patients when the advantages might be restricted.

They believe that to lower the threshold of hypertension diagnosis, which is a condition that affects a major number of individuals in the country, it is essential to ensure that this decision is evidence-based and not taken lightly.

A major chunk of the population is already suffering from undiagnosed hypertension, which means they are at high risk of a deadly stroke or heart attack.  Therefore, it is essential to enhance the diagnosis around the country, but it is also important to make sure that the changes will actually improve the quality of lives of the patients and not put them at more risk.

6 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

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High blood pressure or hypertension is the increased amount of blood pressure against your arteries.  With time, elevated blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and lead to a stroke, kidney disease, heart disease and other health serious issues.  Hypertension is also referred as a silent killer since it doesn’t have any unique symptoms and can go untreated for years.

There are certain risk factors not under your control, including gender, family history and age; however, there are still various risk factors that you can control, including diet and exercise.  Changes in your diet can drastically decrease high blood pressure.  There are various foods that can help in lowering your blood pressure, including the following:

1.   Berries

Strawberries and blueberries include anthocyanins, which are antioxidant compounds that help to lower the blood pressure.  Studies have shown that the intake of a high amount of anthocyanins can reduce the risk of hypertension by 8% as compared to a low anthocyanin intake diet.  Eat berries as dessert, a snack, or add them in a salad, oatmeal or smoothies.

2.   Fenugreek Leaves and Seeds

Fenugreek seeds and leaves are loaded with a high amount of soluble fiber, which aids in decreasing cholesterol level.  A diet that is high in fiber has been linked to steady levels of blood pressure.  Fenugreek seeds and leaves contain low levels of sodium.
However, keep in mind that while fenugreek is efficient in lowering blood pressure, it can also reduce your blood sugar, which means it is best not to consume it every day.

3.   Beetroot

Beetroot includes a high amount of nitric oxide which helps to open up the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.  Studies have found that nitrates in beetroot juice lowered blood pressure of participants in merely 24 hours.  It is therefore best to include beets in your diet by making beet juice, cooking the whole beetroot or eating it in salads.  It also tastes delicious when added in stews or stir-fries and when roasted or baked.

4. Leafy Green Vegetables

Loaded with nitrates, leafy green vegetables also help lower blood pressure levels.  Studies have suggested that consuming two servings of nitrate-rich vegetables daily can decrease hypertension.
The leafy greens you can include in your diet are:

  • Swiss chard
  • Spinach
  • Mustard greens
  • Kale
  • Fennel
  • Lettuce
  • Collard greens
  • Cabbage

In order to consume the daily requirement of leafy greens, you can eat baked kale chips, add a side dish of sautéed Swiss chard and garlic to your main meal, add vegetables in stews and curries, or make a salad of raw leafy greens.

5. Salmon

Fresh fish is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein.  Salmon contains vitamin D, which has been reported to lower levels of blood pressure.  You can replace trans and saturated fats like fried foods and fatty beef with a serving of salmon weekly.

Just this simple swap once a week helps to reduce inflammation, lower arterial plaque buildup, and decrease triglycerides – all of these being the biggest contributors to heart disease.

6. Dark Chocolate

A piece of dark chocolate is effective in lowering high blood pressure.  Studies have suggested that chocolate rich in cocoa can help to reduce high levels of blood pressure in individuals with prehypertension or hypertension.

Make sure you select high quality chocolate, which includes at least 70% cocoa.  Eat one square or a 1oz piece every day.

A healthy diet and regular exercise can drastically decrease the risk of high blood pressure.  Start including these six foods that help in lowering blood pressure to maintain a stable blood pressure.  Other foods that lower blood pressure include various spices, herbs, lentils, nuts, oats and other vegetables and fruits.  Make sure you consult your doctor in case of any doubts or for more health tips in reducing your blood pressure.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

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High blood pressure is a serious health issue and is now becoming more common and a growing concern in the United Kingdom.

This is clearly evident from the following facts and statistics published by Public Health England:

  • High blood pressure affects nearly 1 in 4 individuals,
  • It is the third-biggest risk factor for premature deaths and disability, after smoking, in England,
  • At least ½ of all the cardiac arrests and strokes are linked with high blood pressure,
  • It is also among the major risk factors for developing chronic kidney diseases and dementia, Over 5.5 million individuals in England have undiagnosed high BP and remain untreated, thereby putting their lives at serious risk.

High blood pressure is estimated to affect over 1.5 billion individuals worldwide by the year 2025.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, occurs when the pressure of your blood is persistently higher than the pressure that is considered normal. The optimal blood pressure rate is under 120/80mmHg.  Readings above this range (for example, 130-139/80-89) are considered as stage 1 high blood pressure, while stage 2 is 140 and above/90 and above.

Blood Pressure Chart

Blood Pressure Chart

High blood pressure can be dangerous because the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the body and further leads to hardening of the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of developing a stroke and heart failure.  Although the exact causes of high blood pressure are still unknown, there are many factors linked to it.  These factors are believed to have a strong influence on blood pressure, thereby increasing the likelihood of developing the condition.

Age

It is estimated that approximately 1 in 2 individuals over 65 have high blood pressure.  This indicates that you may be exposed to the risk of high blood pressure as you age.

Family History

Studies also show that family history also increases the risk of high blood pressure.  So, if high blood pressure tends to run in your family then it’s important that you closely monitor yours and manage it proactively to reduce the chances of developing it in the future.

Obesity

It is believed that people who are overweight or obese can develop high blood pressure.  This is backed by the fact that as your weight increases, more blood is needed by your body to supply nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. So, when the volume of blood circulation through the vessels shoots up, so does the pressure on the walls of your arteries.

A Diet Rich in Sodium and Poor in Potassium

Your diet also influences your blood pressure level. If your diet is rich in sodium and has very little potassium, it can increase your likelihood of developing high blood pressure.  This is because sodium causes the body to retain fluid, while potassium helps balance the amount of salt in the cells.  So, if your diet has too much salt and little potassium, you will retain and accumulate salt in the blood, thereby putting you at risk of high blood pressure.

Other potential causes include:

  • High alcohol intake,
  • Stress,
  • Minimal physical activity, and
  • Frequent use of tobacco.

To lower the risk of developing high blood pressure, monitor and manage your blood pressure at home yourself. Consider investing in a high quality home blood pressure monitoring machine, such as A&D’s UA-651BLE Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Smart Bluetooth Low Energy Connectivity to check your blood pressure daily.  It is easy to use, and offers reliable and accurate reading.  Also, seek proper treatment and adopt a healthy lifestyle to minimize your risk.

A&D UA-651BLE Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Bluetooth® Smart Bluetooth® Low Energy Connectivity

The UA-651BLE is the 4th generation of the range of A&D telehealth blood pressure monitors, and is designed for the home user as part of the ‘wellness connected™’ family of products and free app, A&D Connect.

Features:

  • 4th gen. blood pressure monitor telehealth range
  • Bluetooth® Version 4.0LE/ Bluetooth® Smart communication
  • Continuaâ„¢ Certified – to ensure interoperability
  • Compatible with UC-352BLE scales and UT-201BLE thermometer
  • A&D’s Slimfitâ„¢ Cuff 22-32cm
  • 2nd gen. IHB Indicator
  • WHO Blood Pressure Class.Indicator
  • Internal 30-memory + Average Reading
  • ESH Clinical Validation