High Blood Pressure & Your Feet – Intro

We all know that high blood pressure can lead to several health complications, but we hardly ever take a minute to consider just how vast these conditions can be. Most of us know that high blood pressure can lead to the following health complications:

• vision loss
• strokes
• heart attacks
• heart failure
• kidney disease
• kidney failure
• sexual dysfunction

However, most of us don’t realize that high blood pressure can have a severe effect on the health of our feet. Therefore, we must keep an eye on our blood pressure to maintain a healthy hop in our step.

What is high blood pressure?

As blood is moved through our blood vessels to all body parts, pressure is applied. Suppose the pressure on the blood is exerted past healthy and ordinary measures, a health complication known as high blood pressure exists. A body with healthy blood pressure will supply the vital organs and body parts with oxygenated blood with sufficient force. Healthy blood pressure falls at about 120/80. Someone will be diagnosed with high blood pressure when the measurements are much higher than average and remain elevated.

So what causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is most commonly related to the following conditions:

• Stress-related
• Diabetes (For more information on diabetes, don’t forget to check out our blog page for more information such as on type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. )
• Atherosclerosis

High blood pressure is often also referred to as hypertension. It is a widespread condition that can affect people of all ages. When a doctor diagnoses a patient with high blood pressure, treatments are commonly prescribed. Although medication is often needed to improve severe conditions related to high blood pressure, doctors will recommend a lifestyle change to reduce the extremity of health complications in the future.

Hypertension has a potentially severe effect on a person’s feet. So it isn’t unusual for a podiatrist to diagnose hypertension as the cause of painful or uncomfortable symptoms in the feet and lower legs.

What are the possible consequences of high blood pressure?

If high blood pressure is ignored and not treated, it could lead to the lower limbs suffering from decreased blood circulation. Since our limbs and organs require oxygen-rich blood, having reduced blood circulation can be very problematic.

These symptoms could indicate reduced blood flow in the lower limbs:

• Sores and ulcers on the feet or legs heal very slowly
• Experiencing a burning sensation in the lower legs or feet
• Suffering from swollen legs and feet
• Experiencing hair loss on the feet and legs
• Discoloration in the legs or feet leading to a bluish color
• Experiencing cold feet and toes
• Suffering from frequent cramping in the legs and feet after exercise

When should you see your podiatrist?

It is best to see your podiatrist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. In addition, if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is advised to visit your podiatrist at least twice a year. By visiting your podiatrist every six months, you increase the odds that you will pick up a decrease in blood circulation in your feet and legs that can help avoid severe health complications.

How is high blood pressure avoided?

Although high blood pressure can result from a health condition such as diabetes or Atherosclerosis, there are ways that you can minimize your risk of hypertension. We should all strive to live healthy and well-balanced lives to improve our overall health and decrease our future health complications. Here are the ways you can reduce the odds of suffering from high blood pressure:

●     Follow a balanced diet

A healthy diet can go a long way in avoiding high blood pressure. It is best to cook healthy meals with lots of fruit and vegetables. Also, stick to healthy snacks that are low in artificial ingredients and processed fats. Stick to food that is low in salt and higher in protein and fiber.

●     Maintain a healthy weight

People who are obese or overweight are more likely to struggle with high blood pressure than those who are at a healthy weight. If you aren’t sure what your ideal weight is, you can find your body’s body mass index, also known as BMI. You can either ask a doctor to help you determine your BMI or you can use an app. If you aren’t at your ideal weight, talk to your doctor about the best ways to lose weight and keep it off. Most people find that a healthy diet combined with regular exercise helps a lot to reach their ideal weight.

●     Find a form of physical activity that you enjoy

Exercise can make a huge difference when it comes to high blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended that adults exercise at least five days a week for a minimum time of 30 minutes a day.

●     Quit smoking

Smoking has been found to cause a rise in blood pressure. In addition, smokers are more likely to suffer from strokes and heart attacks. Therefore, it is advised that smokers quit smoking as soon as possible. However, if you are a smoker and the idea of quitting is overwhelming, speak to your doctor about the best way to quit.

●     Cut back on alcohol

Excessive drinking can also increase blood pressure levels. Therefore, it is advised that men don’t drink more than two drinks a day, and women should stick to only one drink a day. By cutting back on alcohol, you will minimize your risk of suffering from high blood pressure and decrease the odds of struggling with other health complications later on.

●     Sleep enough

You must get the right amount of sleep to maintain overall health. Blood vessels and the heart benefit significantly from enough sleep. Therefore, be sure to sleep at least seven hours a night.

Conclusion

High blood pressure can lead to severe complications, so we must try our best to avoid it by living healthy lives. People diagnosed with high blood pressure should find a podiatrist that they can see twice a year to ensure that their feet are healthy and that their blood circulation is sufficient.