What is blood pressure and what you need to know about it? Part 2
When I am working with my patients who have high blood pressure I first take the time to explain what is happening in their body. Then once they feel comfortable with the definition and risk factors related to high blood pressure then we start thinking about a plan to get their blood pressure back to normal (For information on blood pressure please see blog part 1). In naturopathic medicine we always look at lifestyle and behavioral changes as necessary first steps to correct blood pressure issues.
In this installment I will discuss stress as a factor related to increases in blood pressure. I have patients who monitor their blood pressure daily. I have them do that to see if any patterns emerge about changes in the blood pressure during the day. I have more than one patient who report higher blood pressures while at work or during the week and lower or normal blood pressures during the weekends and on vacation. It is incredible how stress and impact your health! An easy prescription would be to have them quit their jobs. A more realistic prescription includes creating stress management techniques they incorporate into their daily activities to reduce stress.
