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The Link Between High Blood Pressure and Heart Health

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Heart Disease Prevention in Cardiff

At Knights Pharmacy in Cardiff, we are passionate about helping you prioritise your heart health. Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, but with the right knowledge and proactive steps, it is largely preventable. In this article, we will explore essential strategies for heart disease prevention in Cardiff and highlight the role Knights Pharmacy plays in supporting your journey towards a healthier heart.

Understanding Heart Disease

Around 11 per cent of men and 9 per cent of women in the UK have been diagnosed with some form of heart or circulatory disease.

The term “heart disease” refers to a broad range of conditions that compromise the structure and operation of the heart. Your health may be significantly impacted by these conditions, which include arrhythmias, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. However, you can significantly lower your risk of developing heart disease by being aware of the risk factors and taking preventative measures. Cardiff’s Knights Pharmacy is committed to educating the public and offering tools to support heart health protection.

What Symptoms Should I Look Out For?

These are some of the symptoms to watch out for:

  • Chest Pain – You should seek medical (999) advice as soon as possible if you have chest pain and feel extremely unwell, even if the symptoms only occur when you are exerting yourself.
  • Feeling Sick – If you are experiencing severe chest pain even while you are just sitting around doing nothing and you are also feeling sick, it’s time to call an ambulance.
  • Stomach Pain or Indigestion – An indigestion-like pain or burning sensation in your stomach or chest could indicate a heart attack or other related heart condition.
  • Feeling Sweaty – It’s normal to work up a sweat after working out at the gym or on a particularly hot day. However, experiencing both heat and clammyness as well as chest pains should prompt you to dial 999.
  • Leg Pain – It may be worthwhile to see your doctor if you experience gripping or cramping in your calves when you walk because that could be a sign of PAD (peripheral arterial disease).
  • Arm Pain – Arm pain can indicate a heart attack even though you may not normally associate it with your heart.
  • A Jaw or Back Pain – It is possible for back or jaw pain to be experienced during a heart attack. Once more, if it persists, dial 999 and request an ambulance.
  • Extreme Fatigue – Constant fatigue can be a sign of various health issues, including heart failure.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle modifications play an important role in preventing heart disease. Regular physical activity, such as walking or cycling, strengthens the heart and improves cardiovascular health.

Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimising processed foods and excessive salt intake can significantly lower your risk.

Know Your Numbers

Monitoring key health indicators is vital for heart disease prevention. Regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and diabetes management are essential components of maintaining heart health.

Knights Pharmacy in Cardiff provides convenient access to accurate screenings and professional advice on managing these risk factors. By staying informed and proactive, you can take control of your cardiovascular well-being and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Medication Management

In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage specific risk factors or existing conditions associated with heart disease. Our experienced pharmacists at Knights Pharmacy work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure proper medication management. We provide comprehensive information on medications, including usage instructions and potential side effects. With our support, you can navigate the complexities of medication management and improve your heart health effectively.

How We Can Help

Knights Pharmacy in Cardiff is your dedicated partner in heart disease prevention. By adopting lifestyle modifications, monitoring your health indicators, and leveraging community resources, you can reduce the risk of heart disease and enhance your overall well-being.

Visit Knights Pharmacy today to access personalised guidance, expert advice, and a wealth of resources for maintaining a healthy heart. Together, let’s prioritise heart health in Cardiff.

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This blog was created on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Managing Blood Pressure

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Blood Pressure Management in Redditch

Are you searching for blood pressure management techniques in Redditch? Look nowhere else! We at Knights Pharmacy in Redditch are dedicated to assisting you in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and taking charge of your health. This article will discuss the importance of blood pressure control, offer helpful insights, and offer practical suggestions on how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle in Redditch.

Understanding Blood Pressure

One of the most important indicators of your cardiovascular health is blood pressure. It determines the pressure that your arteries’ walls experience as blood flows through them. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that, if uncontrolled, can have serious health repercussions. Knights Pharmacy in Redditch is committed to educating the public about blood pressure control and helping people to maintain healthy levels.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if left untreated, it raises your risk of developing serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
Around 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it.
The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked.

How is Blood Pressure Tested?

Blood pressure was traditionally measured with a stethoscope, arm cuff, pump, and dial, but nowadays automatic devices with sensors and digital displays are frequently used.

The Role of Lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for controlling high blood pressure.
Regular exercise can lower blood pressure. Examples include cycling or brisk walking.

Making changes to what you eat can help control high blood pressure.

  • Reduce Sodium (salt) – If you have hypertension or elevated blood pressure, reducing your sodium intake can help lower your blood pressure.
  • Reduce alcohol – Drinking a lot of alcohol increases your risk of developing high blood pressure.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables – Increasing the number of fruits and vegetables in your diet can help lower high blood pressure or prevent the onset of high blood pressure, as well as improve your general health.
  • Eat more fibre – Increasing your intake of fibre may lower your blood pressure. 20 to 35 grammes of dietary fibre are advised to be consumed daily.
  • Eat more fish – Consuming more fish, particularly when combined with weight loss, may help lower blood pressure.
  • Caffeine – People who don’t regularly consume caffeine may experience a brief rise in blood pressure. A moderate intake of caffeine, or about two cups of coffee per day, usually has no effect on blood pressure in regular caffeine users.

Knights Pharmacy gives you customised advice on lifestyle changes that are catered to your unique requirements, enabling you to implement long-lasting changes.

Blood Pressure Management in Redditch

Monitoring and Medications

Effective management requires regular blood pressure monitoring. You can easily access accurate blood pressure checks at Knights Pharmacy in Redditch, ensuring that you are always aware of your current readings. If necessary, our knowledgeable pharmacists can go over the possible medication options that your doctor has recommended, assisting you in understanding their intended use, any possible side effects, and appropriate dosage. We are available to answer your questions and provide encouragement as you work to control your blood pressure.

How We Can Help

With Knights Pharmacy in Redditch, blood pressure management becomes an attainable goal. By prioritising lifestyle changes, monitoring your blood pressure regularly, and leveraging community resources, you can take charge of your health. Visit Knights Pharmacy today to discover personalised guidance and expertise in managing blood pressure. Together, let’s make Redditch a community that prioritises heart health and empowers individuals to lead fulfilling, healthy lives.

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This blog was created on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

Blood Pressure: Can Hydration and Proper Nutrition Lower Your Blood Pressure?

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It’s a month all about Nutrition. And in this blog, we take a look at how hydration and nutrition can affect your blood pressure, and the steps to keep your BP optimal

In order to control blood pressure, it’s important to eat properly and drink plenty of water. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the artery walls, and it is regulated by a number of lifestyle choices, including nutrition and hydration. A diet high in nutrient-dense foods, high in potassium, and low in salt can help to maintain normal blood pressure levels. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can also help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Keep reading to find out the foods to lower blood pressure and how you can check them at our pharmacy.

The importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure levels

All the parts of your body including vital organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys receive nutrients and oxygen from normal blood flow.

Your blood pressure usually fluctuates throughout the course of the day. The time of day, activity, stress, the foods you eat, as well as other factors all have an impact on blood pressure. Nevertheless, issues may develop if your blood pressure continues to be too high for too long.

High blood pressure can cause your heart to work harder than necessary, which can lead to the weakening of the heart. Additionally, the increased blood flow caused by high blood pressure can cause your blood vessels to become weak, stiff, or narrowed over time. Your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes, are just a few of the vital organs that high blood pressure can damage over time.

How is blood pressure measured?

Traditionally, blood pressure was measured using a stethoscope and pump. These days, there are several different digital monitors that can be used to measure blood pressure. You can find a few here.

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is reported as two numbers, including systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart beats and pumps blood, and diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg.

Foods to lower blood pressure

What are the recommended lifestyle changes?

There are several lifestyle changes that can help manage blood pressure, including:

Regular exercise

Physical activity can help lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products can help manage blood pressure.

Maintaining a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese can increase blood pressure. Losing even a small amount of weight can help lower blood pressure.

Limiting alcohol consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.

Quitting smoking

Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Quitting smoking can improve overall cardiovascular health and help manage blood pressure.

Managing stress

Chronic stress can increase blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques or counselling, can help manage blood pressure.

Monitoring blood pressure regularly

Regular blood pressure checks through a monitor can help identify high blood pressure early and allow for timely management.

What food can I eat that will help?

Anyone with high blood pressure, including people using blood pressure-lowering medication, should follow a heart-healthy diet. Consuming foods rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium may be very beneficial.

The following foods are some of the best for lowering blood pressure:

  • Citrus fruits
  • Fatty fish like salmon
  • Swiss chard
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Beans and lentils
  • Berries
  • Amaranth
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Tomatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Some herbs and spices
  • Spinach

It’s important to remember that adopting a healthy diet, along with other lifestyle changes, can drastically lower your blood pressure and help lessen your risk of developing complications.

Foods to lower blood pressure

Getting your blood pressure checked at Knights Pharmacy

Visit your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch today to check your blood pressure. You can also shop online for blood pressure monitors to help track your blood pressure at home.

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This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor

How Can I Keep Fit at Home?

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keep fit at home in West Midlands

For health reasons or time constraints, you may be skipping the gym during the epidemic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work out at home. There are many benefits associated with daily exercise. Exercise improves circulation, elevates endorphins, strengthens the immune system, and lowers stress, all of which contribute to greater physical and mental health. Continue reading to learn how to keep fit at home in the West Midlands.

How can I keep fit at home?

Setting up a regular workout schedule while you’re at home can give your day structure, keep your body fit, and reduce stress. Here are a few strategies for staying active while remaining safe.

Establish a Routine

Going to a physical venue, like a fitness class or gym, naturally builds a scheduled pattern around your workout. But, it might be easy to become preoccupied when training from home. Set aside time in your daily schedule and a location in your house for exercising. As far as you can, try to keep your workout free from interruptions. Using a fitness schedule, video, or app helps keep you motivated. To develop a regimen, keep to your training programme a couple of days a week.

Learn new skills

It can be annoying to only have a few resources at home if you’re used to working out at the gym and using their extensive array of equipment. Use this time to practice new skills and exercise methods rather than trying to duplicate a gym session.

For instance, if you usually lift weights at the gym, concentrate on balance and flexibility exercises at home. Try performing simple strength training workouts at home if you typically train with lengthy cardio sessions at the gym. This will not only help you view things more positively, but it will also give you vital cross-training that will help you become stronger as well as more complete.

Find a friend

Working out in a gym fosters a feeling of belonging for many trainers. Even when you are exercising at home, you can still feel a sense of accountability and community. Make contact with your favourite gym companions, close friends, and members of your family to form a virtual home workout group.

keep fit at home in West Midlands

How can our weight management service help you keep fit at home?

A weight management service can be helpful in several ways to help you stay fit. Here are some of the ways:

Personalised weight loss plan

A weight management service will create a customised weight loss plan that takes into account your current weight, health status, and fitness goals. The plan will be tailored to your needs and will help you achieve your desired weight loss goals.

Expert advice

Weight management services employ expert nutritionists, dieticians, and fitness trainers who can provide you with expert advice on diet and exercise. They can guide you on the right kind of food to eat, the quantity of food to consume, and the right kind of exercise to undertake.

Support

Losing weight can be challenging. However, a weight management service can provide you with the emotional support you need to stay motivated. You can connect with other people who are also trying to lose weight and share tips and advice.

keep fit at home in West Midlands

How can I enrol onto a weight management service in the West Midlands

Book your appointment with the Knights Pharmacy branch today to sign up for our weight management service to help you keep fit at home in the West Midlands. You can also get weight management aids online at Chemist.net. You can also learn more about of lifestyle service here.

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This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor

What is the fastest and healthiest way to lose weight?

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how to lose weight naturally in the West Midlands

It’s no secret that losing weight can be tough. You may have tried diets before, but they don’t work because they’re not sustainable or healthy enough. The best way to lose weight is by eating healthier and being more active–not only will this help you feel better about yourself, but it’ll also improve your quality of life. With these tips and tricks at hand, you’ll be able to achieve your goals faster than ever! Keep reading to learn how to lose weight naturally with help from our pharmacy in the West Midlands.

How to lose weight with natural remedies

Eat a healthy diet

One of the most important things you can do to lose weight is to eat a healthy diet. You should minimise junk food and sugary drinks, which are high in calories and sugar. Focus on fruits and vegetables that are low in fat. Whole grains are also good for your body because they contain fibre that helps you feel fuller when you eat them.

You should drink plenty of water each day; this will keep you hydrated so that your body has enough energy to burn fat instead of muscle tissue (which happens if we don’t drink enough water).

natural remedies for weight loss

Regular exercise is the key to losing weight with natural remedies

Regular exercise is the best way to lose weight. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, it’s important that you exercise regularly. It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do or how often—as long as it gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat, then it counts!

Drink alcohol responsibly and stop smoking

Alcohol is calorie-dense, which means that one drink contains a lot more calories than the same volume of water. Alcohol also contains sugar. A 12-ounce beer has 7 grams of sugar and a glass of wine has even more at 9 grams per serving. If you’re eating foods or drinking sugary beverages regularly while trying to lose weight, it can make it harder for your body to burn fat because they contain little or no fat content.

Finally, it’s worth noting that both smoking cigarettes and drinking alcoholic beverages are highly addictive behaviours that can lead people into unhealthy habits.

Set realistic weight loss goals

Setting unrealistic weight loss goals is a sure way to fail. The best way to lose weight with natural remedies is by making small changes in your lifestyle and diet, but if you set yourself up for failure by setting too high of a goal, it will be much more difficult than necessary. The NHS has given advice on healthier eating habits and a weight loss plan.

Keep stress to a minimum

Stress can cause overeating. It can make you eat large amounts of unhealthy foods, such as fast food and junk food. Stress can also make you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes to cope with it.

It’s common for people who have a lot of stress in their lives to get tired during the day, which makes it harder for them to stick with their diet plan if they’re trying to lose weight healthily!

Sleep more to lose weight 

Sleep is the most important thing you can do for your body, so don’t skimp on it.

The best time to go to bed is in the early evening—around 8 p.m. If you have trouble falling asleep at this time, try changing your schedule by going to bed earlier in the day and waking up later. You may find that this helps with your sleep cycle and getting ready for work or school each day smoothly!

natural remedies for weight loss

How to lose weight naturally and find support in the West Midlands

Visit your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch today to learn more about how to lose weight naturally in the West Midlands.

 

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This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor

How Do You Keep Your Blood Pressure Down?

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how to reduce blood pressure

Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” Despite having a high risk of heart disease as well as stroke, it usually exhibits no symptoms. These conditions are some of the main causes of fatalities in the world today. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any high blood pressure issues, such as a heart attack or stroke. Do not try home treatments in such serious circumstances. Keep reading to learn how to reduce your blood pressure.

How can I reduce my blood pressure?

Making changes to your lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean embarking on a major life overhaul to lower your blood pressure. Here are five easy steps you may take to help lower your blood pressure and return it to normal.

1. Lose weight

Losing weight is by far the most efficient way to lower high blood pressure. Furthermore, it doesn’t take much weight loss to notice a difference. If you are overweight, even a 10-pound weight loss can lower your blood pressure.

2. Regular exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to improve your health. Aim for at least a half-hour for about 5 days a week. Ensure that you do something you love, otherwise, it won’t stick. That can entail dancing for some people, biking for others, or strolling with a friend. Even routine hobbies like gardening can be beneficial.

how reduce blood pressure

3. Weight lifting to reduce blood pressure

To aid in weight loss and staying fit, incorporate weightlifting into your training routine. As we get older, women lose muscle mass progressively, and for the most part, weightlifting is neglected as a form of exercise.

4. Limit your alcohol intake

Drinking excessively and regularly can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure, so it’s important to practice moderation.

5. Reduce stress

Your blood vessels are constricted by stress hormones, which can cause brief increases in blood pressure. Stress can also gradually lead to bad habits that endanger your cardiovascular health. Overeating, insufficient sleep, and abusing drugs and alcohol are a few examples. For all of these reasons, if you want to lower your blood pressure, stress reduction should be a top goal.

What foods can lower blood pressure?

All patients with high blood pressure, especially those using blood pressure-lowering medication, should follow a balanced, heart-healthy diet.

Research has shown that having some foods in your diet, particularly those high in specific nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, lowers your blood pressure levels. A balanced diet is crucial for decreasing blood pressure and keeping ideal levels.

The best foods to eat to lower blood pressure include:

  • Eating more fish, almonds, and legumes (beans).
  • Opting for fruits and vegetables rather than salty or sweet snacks and sweets.
  • Going for whole grain products made from grains rather than highly processed white flour when choosing pasta, bread, as well as other carbohydrate-rich foods.
  • Eat fruits in place of fruit juice.
  • Using unsaturated fats such as olive, canola, peanut, corn, soybean or safflower oils Instead of butter, coconut oil, or palm kernel oil.
  • Opting for fresh or frozen foods rather than processed and canned ones.
  • Choosing low-sodium foods whenever possible; substitute vinegar, spices, herbs, and other low-sodium flavourings for salt.
  • Cutting back on your calorie intake if you’re trying to lose weight.
  • If you need assistance, keep a weekly journal detailing every meal you consume. Have a dietician look over this info.

how to reduce blood pressure

Where can I get my blood pressure tested for free?

Book your appointment with your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch for a free blood pressure check. You can also shop online at Chemist.net for blood pressure monitors to ensure that you reduce your blood pressure to normal.

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This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor