The festive season is just around the corner – and good food comes with it. It is often the one and only time of year when people eat, drink and be merry. But for people who suffer from hypertension (better known as high blood pressure), this can be a hazardous time of year.

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Over 50% of South Africans over 40 have high blood pressure. "More than half of South Africa's hypertension sufferers do not take any treatment, and only 10% who are taking treatment, have their blood pressure properly controlled," says Dr Mihai Ciordas, a specialist physician at Clinix Private Hospital in Vosloorus, Gauteng.

Dangerous factors leading to hypertension
A fatty diet and high alcohol consumption are factors that lead to high blood pressure - and these two factors are difficult to avoid during the festive season. However, there are simple steps one can take to help maintain their blood pressure during this period:

• Reduce salt intake. Studies have shown that the bigger the reduction in salt, the more beneficial the effect it has on blood pressure. This minimises the risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack.
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Fresh fruit for breakfast can substitute the more conventional fatty breakfast.
• Control the amount of alcohol consumption by drinking more non-alcoholic beverages - preferably water.

When is blood pressure considered high?
Ideal blood pressure values for adults should be between 100 - 120 millimeter mercury the upper value (systolic), and 60 – 70mm the lower value (diastolic). In normal conditions, diastolic blood pressure value is half systolic, plus 10 mm mercury. The values of 120/70 (said as 120 over 70) must be the upper normal limit. Values higher than 140/90 means high blood pressure, and must be treated. Blood pressure between 120/70 and 140/90 are considered as pre-hypertension, and should be monitored.

The frightening facts
"Hypertension can result in a fatal heart attack, but it can also cause severe disability, mental deterioration (dementia), severe chest pain (angina), dizziness and headache, kidney deterioration, and many complications which can lead to a slow and dreadful death," says Dr Ciordas.

The lifespan and quality of life of someone with high blood pressure can be greatly improved, as many times the condition can be controlled. Managing your weight by watching your diet and alcohol intake, and getting enough exercise helps to a large extent. Medications can also be very effective in keeping high blood pressure under control. And for those who smoke, quitting the habit is a good idea.

High blood pressure is serious, but by making good lifestyle choices this festive season, one's health does not have to be at risk in the New Year.

(Based on a press release issued by the Clinix Health Group)

Read more:
Visit Health24's Hypertension Centre

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