Preventive Health Advisor will focus on important lifestyle changes which include losing weight, eating a healthful diet, reducing sodium intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption as well as Integrative natural medicine therapies. Therapy for hypertension will require close follow-up and support by the primary care physician who will oversee pharmacological therapy, support lifestyle changes, and offer Integrative and natural therapy which is often preferred by the modern patient.
Importance of treating high blood pressure:
Hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, aneurysm, chronic kidney disease, and other diseases. According to the AHA, the lifetime risk of hypertension is about 90% and any elevation above a normal blood pressure of 120 systolic over 80 diastolic increases risk of coronary heart disease even if elevated into pre-hypertensive levels. It was determined by Lewington, S et al (1), (as cited by Rosendorff, Clive et al)(2) that for every 20 mmHg increase of systolic blood pressure or for every 10 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure over 115/75 to 185/115 mmHg, the risk of mortality from ischemic heart disease or stroke approximately doubles.
