How Weight Loss Affects Hypertension

We all know that excessive weight gain can cause hypertension and the condition may become fatal with changes in the body. Therefore, while obesity elevates blood pressure,  consequent weight loss efforts prevent the risk of hypertension by lowering the systolic and diastolic levels. An individual with blood pressure levels of over 140/90 mmHg is considered hypertensive. Males have a greater risk of hypertension than overweight or obese females.

[Read: How to Prevent Secondary Hypertension]

Hypertension and Weight Relationship

Blood pressure level depends on systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output. Body’s cardiac output is a reflection of stroke volume, a measure of blood volume pumped by the heart and heart rate (HR). Cardiac output of the body increases with increase in weight and leads to hypertension.

Abdominal obesity, which depends on the systemic or peripheral vascular resistance, may lead to elevated blood pressure. If you are centrally obese, systemic vascular resistance will increase, leading to hypertension or alleviated blood pressure.

How to Lose Weight with Hypertension

Hypertension puts individuals at an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, heart attacks, vision loss, erectile dysfunction and kidney failure. Losing weight can minimise these risks. Here’s how you can lose weight with hypertension.

[Read: Tips to Lose Weight in a Healthy Way]

Diet for hypertension: In order to bring blood pressure within a healthy range, it is advisable to consume at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day. These fulfil your daily requirement of potassium, magnesium, calcium and protein and limit cholesterol, saturated fat and total fat intake. People with hypertension must make sure that they only consume milk and dairy products that are low in fat.

Exercise for hypertension: If hypertensive person endures a lack of physical activity, his/her blood pressure may continue to increase. Engagement in physical exercise for at least 30 minutes every day helps prevent spike in blood pressure. Health experts recommend involvement in moderate intensity exercises such as brisk walking, cycling and jogging to keep blood pressure levels down.

Watch out for sodium intake: Sodium intake may affect blood pressure and increase health risks of hypertension. Hypertensive persons must limit their salt intake to 1500 mgs as this will keep the blood pressure from alleviating. Two of the ways of reducing salt intake is by not adding salt to your foods and checking the label on foods before eating.

Some hypertensive patients need more than lifestyle modifications to eliminate health risks of hypertension. Such individuals must consult a doctor for medications.

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