Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high, leading to increased strain on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can cause damage to your organs and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. As an internal medicine doctor, I often see patients with high blood pressure and the good news is that there are many things you can do to prevent and manage this condition.
One of the most important things you can do to prevent high blood pressure is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet that is low in sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Additionally, regular physical activity is key to reducing your risk of high blood pressure. Aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, per week. If you have a sedentary job, take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around.
Another important factor in preventing and managing high blood pressure is maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of high blood pressure, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can make a big difference in lowering your blood pressure.
If you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, there are several things you can do to manage it. The first step is to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. This may include medications to lower your blood pressure, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers. It is important to take these medications exactly as prescribed, even if you feel fine, as they can help prevent serious complications down the road.
In addition to medications, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your blood pressure. These include:
. Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
. Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of healthy eating and exercise.
. Quitting smoking, as smoking can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems.
. Limiting your alcohol intake, as excessive drinking can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems.
It is important to note that managing high blood pressure is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. This is why it is important to work closely with your doctor and to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your blood pressure and make any necessary changes to your treatment plan.
High blood pressure is a common medical condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. However, there are many things you can do to prevent and manage this condition, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking medications as prescribed, and working closely with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan. By taking these steps, you can help reduce your risk of serious health problems and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
Daniel Stanciu, MD
Dr. Stanciu is certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Physician Specialties as well as the American Board of Internal Medicine and has been practicing medicine since 2003. Dr. Stanciu earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara, Romaina. He completed his resident training in internal medicine at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn New York.
Prior to coming to Axel Health Primary Care, Dr. Stanciu practiced as an internal medicine hospitalist. He is passionate about providing comprehensive, holistic, integrative care. By providing concierge services, Dr. Stanciu has the opportunity to spend an unlimited amount of time with each client to ensure an individualized plan of care that meets each clients’ healthcare goals. He is currently working on his functional medicine certification. Dr. Stanciu enjoys educating each client regarding the best approach to health screenings, risk assessments, early treatment, and appropriate interventions. In his free time, Dr. Stanciu is athletic and enjoys multiple sports and spending time with his family.
Joel Pelissier, MD
Dr. Pelissier is certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has been practicing medicine since 1996. Dr. Pelissier completed his residency training at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center. He also had the opportunity to study abroad receiving further training in France and Spain. He has been providing medical services to the Fort Myers Community for over 10 years and is passionate about providing comprehensive, integrative care and working with patients to ensure they obtain their healthcare goals. Dr. Pelissier is also a Certified Medical Examiner for the Department of Transportation (DOT). He is passionate about medical education and is a board review question writer for the Society of Hospital Medicine. Dr. Pelissier is fluent in Haitian Creole, French, English, and Spanish. He is also conversational in Portuguese. In his free time Dr. Pelissier enjoys spending time with his daughter, his family, exercising, and reading.
Axel Health
239-208-6648 | axelhealth.org
4755 Summerlin Road, Suite 8
Fort Myers, FL 33919
