The relationship between hypertension and heart attacks

The hypertension It occurs when blood vessels cannot relax enough and create greater resistance to pumping blood through the circulatory system. So, It plays a very important role in heart health. On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) places ischemic heart disease (myocardial infarction and angina pectoris) as the leading cause of death in the world. Last year, more than nine million people died worldwide due to this disease.

A new study by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that 80% of cardiovascular accidents have high blood pressure. And not only that, but it is also related to strokes, since the brain is still an organ that, like the rest, needs the blood supply to function properly.

Unless you don't go to regular checkups, you may not know you have hypertension until, unfortunately, you get a scare

According Icilma Fergus, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, blood vessels swell due to the speed and force with which blood flows through them in episodes of hypertension. "Over time, this can cause the arteries and capillaries to become stiff, or that causes the heart to have to work twice to continue pumping the blood," he says in 'Business Insider'. Thus, if you have problems with high blood pressure, you could face various health problems.

One of them is coronary artery disease, which occurs when blood vessels begin to facilitate the accumulation of plaque on the walls of the arteries. This phenomenon is what can lead to heart failure. Similarly, this condition of the vessels can lead to a heart attack. When plaque builds up, a blood clot is likely to form, which will block the flow to the heart preventing it from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs.

If you reduce high blood pressure by 10% thanks to proper eating or quitting smoking, the risk of mortality drops between 50 and 60%

The American Heart Association, one of the most important clinical academies in the world, baptizes high blood pressure as "silent murderer", since it is very difficult to detect. And in many cases even if you think you have it, physical discomfort may be due to other reasons such as anxiety. "Unless you don't have regular medical care and go to checkups, you may not know you have hypertension until, unfortunately, you get a scare"; assures They used Baber, from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in the American newspaper.

There are risk groups that should pay special attention to this clinical condition. If you are over 50 or over 60 you should catch up and regularly check the condition of your veins and arteries. And in that case, The best thing you can do is treat it without delay. An investigation of the medical journal 'Circulation' found that if you reduce high blood pressure by 10%, thanks to adequate food, the risk of mortality is reduced by 50 to 60%. Then, a series of tips for you to get down to work and work for your health.

A healthy diet

The most important is Limit the amount of sodium (salt) you consume daily. Similarly, you should also increase potassium, present in fruits such as bananas. And, above all, avoid fatty foods, as well as eating lots of fruits, vegetables and fiber. One of the most effective diets to combat high blood pressure is known as DASH, based on whole grains, legumes, skimmed dairy, lean meats, fish, poultry and, above all, low salt.

do exercise

Exercise not only keeps hypertension at bay, it also helps you maintain a low weight. You don't have to kill yourself in the gym. If you are older and can no longer make many efforts just go for a quick walk every day, At least half an hour. One of the advantages is that it does not cost money and that, in your journey, you can well make social life and share the road with friends, which will make the journey more bearable.

No alcohol or cigarettes

Drinking is never good for your health and if you still consume, it is best to do so in moderation since it is behind serious diseases that affect the brain, bones or digestive system. The reason why it is so bad to fight hypertension is that it contains many empty calories, which can lead to weight gain. On the other hand, smoking raises your blood pressure, putting you at risk of having a heart attack. If you still presume not to have brought a cigarette to your mouth, do not even try. If you have the bad luck of being addicted, look for ways to quit. Your body, and not just your heart, will thank you.