Why festive season can lead to spike in BP and things you need to know
Managing your blood pressure levels is crucial this festive season
There's a lot of enthusiasm and excitement during a festive season. We keep all our worries aside, our work takes a back seat, we're all focused on making the most of our time and what not. With Diwali around the corner, people in India are extremely joyous and ecstatic, ready to have some quality time with their family and friends.
But while making memories, sharing gifts, feasting, should all be your goal this holiday season, one should be aware and conscious of their health. Especially, people with a heart condition or those who have a high blood pressure must take extra caution.
High blood pressure can be a silent killer
There are many reasons behind why high blood pressure is known as a 'silent killer'. Unlike diseases that are self-diagnosable and can be identified through early symptoms, hypertension show no signs and can cause sudden attacks, sometimes leading to death too.
According to WHO estimates, about 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware of their condition and hence, don't know that they're at risk of developing serious cardiovascular illnesses, including, heart attack, heart failure, a stroke and more.
Festive seasons may increase your chances of hypertension, risking your heart health
Celebrating a festival is all about having no limitations and enjoying the day without any doubts and insecurities. But when it concerns people with pre-existing heart conditions and those prone to hypertension, then one may have to watch what they eat.
Your diet and your exercise routine plays an extremely important role in managing your blood pressure levels and keeping heart disease risks at bay. That said, while you may have big plans this festive season, here are some ways you can add to your woes, causing huge spike in your BP levels.
Too many calories on the go, processed and sugary foods can cause damage
Well, in India, no festival, especially Diwali, is complete without sweet treats (Ladoos). Apart from that, everyday is a feast until the festive season is over. With snacks like samosas, mathis and calorie-laden sweets dictating our diet for a couple of days, there's a high chance it may cause your blood pressure levels to rise, increasing the risk of heart complications.
Additionally, young people are likely to treat themselves with a whole lot of junk, processed foods, that are not only very oily, but also high in calories. High processed foods usually are packed with trans fats, which can increase bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and lower good cholesterol (HDL) from the body. This can further increase your risk of developing hypertension and put a lot of pressure on the heart.
You may lag behind on your exercise routine
Apart from diet, physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health and managing BP levels.
During the festive season, it is likely to lose track of your daily workout and you may cut back on your usual exercises. While you may think a few days of fitness break won't do much harm, with all that feasting and pampering yourself with sweet treats, it may become more problematic than you think. That said, to keep your blood pressure healthy, you need to keep exercising on a regular basis.
Stress may be a contributing factor
There is a significant co-relation between stress and heart disease risks.
While festivals are the time you have the most fun, it is also a stressful phase. There's a lot of planning, organizing and coordinating that goes into ensuring a perfect festive season. People may even experience sleepless nights, which only increases the level of cortisol in the body, the stress hormone that can also lead to weight gain.
According to the American Heart Association, "During stress, your body releases stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) into the blood that prepare the body for the “fight or flight response.” "Your heart’s beating faster and constricting blood vessels, which raises blood pressure temporarily," it adds.
Having said that, it is important to manage and reduce your stress levels, making sure it doesn't pose problems for your heart.
Festivals may feel incomplete without alcohol, but it can increase your risk of hypertension
Alcohol consumption is very harmful for your body, especially when you have a heart condition and are prone to hypertension.
Excess alcohol intake can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. While more than three drinks one sitting may temporarily raise your blood pressure, repetitive drinking can lead to long-term risks. It may also cause severe damage to your liver and may lead to chronic diseases.
How to keep your BP levels in check
During this festive season, do not neglect your diet. While you make treat yourself with a few delish items, do not go all in and risk your health. Cut back on your sugar intake and avoid processed meals. Make time for regular exercises, even if it mean taking a short stroll.
Regularly check your BP levels and if you're on medication, take them regularly. Remember to reduce your sodium intake as it can increase your blood pressure to a great extent. Active drinkers should limit their alcohol intake.