Don't be a Heart Breaker - Change

Global Economic Climate Down - Blood Pressure Up.

Leading cardiologists report that the steep downturn in the economic climate can have severe affect on the heart. Increased stress, poor eating habits and lifestyles combined with less money all combine to potentially rincrease the chance of suffering high blood pressure leadding to heart problems. “We’ve seen an increase in patients complaining about heart palpitations, anxiety and stress in the past months,” said a leading professor of cardiology, at this School of Medicine. There are many ways to reduce your risk:

One area that is being investigated is the calming effects of contributing to society. Studies have shown that those who do good for the benefit of others enjoy boosted levels of seratonin and feel fulfilment that leads to lower anxiety. One such area is the issue of climate change and how it is already impacting peoples lives globally.

Time for Change says:

"If you believe passionately about a big issue, for example global warming and climate change, it is likely that by doing nothing you will feel saddened and depressed. Consider someone who has had the misfortune of becoming redundant and facing unemployment - the knowledge of not lending a hand to act on the issues of climate change will cause a deflation of self esteem. The knock on of this will be a tendancy to fall into bad lifestyle habits as listed below and raise blood pressure."

Anyone who chooses to actively get invloved and make a difference to climate change will certainly experience a feel good factor both in the short and long term. Climate change is only one of many examples where people can raise awareness and take action - but once you feel that you fully appreciate the devastating effects of climate change and the injustice it inflicts around the world.

Its easy to get invloved and contribute to good causes - and you'll feel better for it!"

Other Lifestyle Changes Eat more simple, fresh foods, you can more easily maintain a healthy weight. Avoid salty, fatty food.

Watch your blood pressure, too. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and heart disease.

Know your numbers - blood pressure readings:

Your systolic blood pressure ideally will be lowerr than 140 and diastolic under 90 - 140/90
Don't skimp on healthcare equipment - the arrival of budget blood pressure monitors on the high street have caused concerns in the healthcare industry over their accuracy. Lloyds Pharmacy for example are selling an upper arm, digital blood pressure monitor for ten pounds. However recent reviews suggest that not only is the lloyds pharmacy blood pressure monitor uncomfortable but its accuracy is doubted. Recommendations to get the best value for money monitor is to choose a clinically tested and approved machine. These may cost a little more than the lloyds economy monitors but you will be more certain of the results.
Keep exercising. forget paying for expensive gym memberships, go for a walk walks, do house work and play with children.

Above all reduce stress. Redirect your anxiety by exercising, meditating or spending time making changes and keep in touch with family and friends.