A heart doctor has issued a warning to people who are taking medication for common health issues such as high blood pressure and cholesterol
A leading heart specialist has warned millions taking tablets for common conditions like high blood pressure. Dr Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, stresses that whilst “prevention” might seem “difficult”, it’s far simpler than “treating heart disease.”
The good news is that warding off the condition – which impacts millions globally – could be as straightforward as tweaking your diet or increasing your activity levels, even through gentle exercise like walking, reports Bristol Live.
Do you have high blood pressure or cholesterol?
Encouraging people to incorporate these straightforward modifications into their everyday lives to boost their wellbeing, he has a stark message for those “prescribed medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol” to help them “avoid the risk of a heart attack and follow your doctor’s orders. In his warning, he cautions: “Take those medications, check your numbers and be sure that all those factors are well under control”, according to the Mayo Clinic News Network.
What are the risk factors of high blood pressure?
- your age – you’re more likely to get high blood pressure as you get older
- having close relatives with high blood pressure
- your ethnicity – you’re at higher risk if you have a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic background
- having an unhealthy diet – especially a diet that’s high in salt
- being overweight
- smoking
- drinking too much alcohol
- feeling stressed over a long period
Cardiologist tips for a healthier life
Among his recommendations, he advises people to increase their intake of vegetables and fruits to pack their diet with essential vitamins and minerals, which won’t just boost energy levels but will also support heart health. Opt for whole grains when you can, as they’re packed with fibre and nutrients, and go for healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated ones.
A top pick for this is the humble avocado. A gut health expert has previously touted the benefits of an avocado a day. Dr Steven Gundry explains: “Avocados have become a trendy health food, but the truth is it’s an incredible superfood for your health.”
He encourages people to “start incorporating it into your diet today”, claiming they can “help you lose weight”. He adds: “Avocados help you absorb the nutrients in food” and they’re packed with “great monounsaturated fat and are rich in prebiotic fibres. These compounds actually help you lose weight.”
His other tips include munching on low-fat proteins, lean meat, poultry, fish and legumes, and cutting down on the salt you sprinkle on your grub to help keep blood pressure in check.
Portion control is also key, and any treats should be “occasional”, emphasising that moderation is crucial. “Trying to eat healthier a little bit at a time, to move around through the day, avoiding sitting for too long,” he wraps up.