About 1 in 5 people in Canada live with hypertension. It is the leading risk factor for heart diseases, which is the number one cause of death worldwide.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, there are a lot of medications that can help. However, long-term, high-dose medication can take a toll on your body. Luckily, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your need for medication.
The Mental Health and Hypertension Control Connection
Being hypertensive is often seen as a physical condition. It’s a condition where you consistently have high blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure for extended periods can cause damage to your blood vessels. This can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
It is something that happens physically. However, being hypertensive can also affect your mental health. One, excessive stress can lead to high blood pressure. Secondly, being diagnosed with this condition can cause anxiety, depression, and more stress.
How Mental Health Services Help
Physical and mental health go hand-in-hand to achieve good health overall. There is plenty of mental health treatment in Durham that can help with this.
You won’t even have to go to a primary care center. Virtual psychiatrists in Durham are available for online consultations. They can recommend a lot of lifestyle changes that can help lower your risks for high blood pressure.
Here are examples of excellent activities you can do to help with being hypertensive:
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet.
- Lessen your sodium intake.
- Quit smoking.
- Lessen your alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Manage stress.
Exercise to Lower Blood Pressure.
One of the best activities that you can do for hypertension control is exercise. Regular physical activity benefits you in more ways than one.
First, it makes your heart stronger. Just like all your other muscles, the heart becomes stronger when it is worked harder. It also improves blood flow to your heart.
Second, constant exercise lets you maintain a healthier weight. Being overweight puts you at a higher risk of being hypertensive. When you are overweight, losing even 5 pounds can make a big difference.
Regular physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous. It is always better to start slow, as long as you start. It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. Here are some simple exercises to start with:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Jogging
- Biking
- Dancing
Additionally, being active also benefits your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are your happy hormones. These trigger positive emotions, reducing stress and anxiety.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is a great physical and mental health treatment in Durham.
Looking for Mental Health Services?
It is important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally to lower the risks of being hypertensive. Augment your prescribed medication by keeping fit and active! This will lead to lower blood pressure and lower risks of heart diseases.
For guidance on your overall health, iCare Virtual is here to help. We offer routine medical care and mental health online. Our licensed physicians are always ready to help you live your healthiest life.
Give us a call to speak with virtual psychiatrists in Durham. Or book an appointment online today.
