Hypertension is a lifelong disorder. For optimal control, a long-term commitment to lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapy is required. Therefore, repeated in-depth patient education and counseling not only improve compliance with medical therapy but also reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
Various strategies to decrease cardiovascular disease risk include the following:
Various strategies to decrease cardiovascular disease risk include the following:
- Prevention and treatment of obesity: an increase in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of developing conditions with high cardiovascular risk, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose, and left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH]
- Appropriate amounts of aerobic physical activity
- Diets low in salt, total fat, and cholesterol
- Adequate dietary intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium
- Limited alcohol consumption
- Avoidance of cigarette smoking
- Avoidance of the use of illicit drugs, such as cocaine
PREVENT COMPLICATIONS BY TAKING ACTION NOW:
Check these websites to find out about preventative screenings offered in Baltimore. You can also call the Baltimore City Health Department at (410) 396-4398 for more available services.
http://www.baltimorehealth.org/info/HEALTHSCREENINGS.pdf
http://healthycitydays.com/Preventive_Screenings.html
http://www.baltimorehealth.org/info/HEALTHSCREENINGS.pdf
http://healthycitydays.com/Preventive_Screenings.html