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Today, nearly one in three American adults are affected by hypertension—also known as high blood pressure. When this condition is untreated, the increased pressure of blood flowing throughout the body will increase one’s risk of heart attack or stroke. The good news is that while this chronic condition is very prevalent, there are many treatment options available—such as losing weight. If you’re struggling with hypertension, here are a few reasons why you might consider weight loss as a top way to protect your heart.

3 Benefits of Weight Loss for High Blood Pressure

1. Decreased Fatty Tissue

Excess fat places your body under stress, and in turn, forces the heart to work harder than it needs to. As a result of these extra demands, your blood pressure can skyrocket. By dieting or exercising to burn body fat, you’ll help reduce the stress you’re placing on your heart and ease your hypertension.

And, while weight loss can seem like a major task, the American Heart Society notes that you won’t have to lose much to enjoy these benefits. Specifically, losing just ten pounds offers significant heart health benefits.

2. Reduced Medication Needs

In addition to diet and exercise, doctors will often prescribe medication to help reduce high blood pressure levels. Although these drugs can help ease hypertension, they usually need to be taken every day.

If you’re worried about the effect blood pressure medication has on you, ask your doctor about what weight loss may do for you. In many cases, losing weight can reduce the amount of medication you need—or allow you to stop treatment altogether.

3. Protects Against Other Heart Health Problems

Having high blood pressure greatly increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. However, having heart disease or high cholesterol can also contribute to these potential dangers. By losing weight, you will not only improve your body’s blood pressure—you will also be taking steps to improve your heart function so you can avoid some of the most common causes of death in the United States.

 

Getting better control of your high blood pressure isn’t something you have to do all on your own. With the help of our primary care providers, we at Coryell Health offer comprehensive services to help detect, treat, and prevent hypertension. Ask about our physician directed medical weight loss program. You don’t have to drive out of town to get quality care. Our primary and specialty care clinic is located in Gatesville, TX. Kindly, visit us online or call for appointments, (254) 865-2166.

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