High Blood Pressure Linked to Poor Memory

By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International

A new study published in Neurology showed that individuals as young as age 45 with high blood pressure are more likely to have poorer memory. Those with high diastolic blood pressure were linked to having more difficulty with remembering things and cognitive impairment. The study shows that early diagnosis of elevated blood pressure can help reduce the chance of cognitive decline [1].

High blood pressure is very common in people across the U.S. and the world today. There are often no symptoms, which causes many people to go undiagnosed for many years. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause many deadly health risks, including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, or heart failure. However, you can take steps to prevent high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Some of these steps include:

- Limit alcohol intake: It’s been said to not drink more than two drinks a day, as too much alcohol has been linked to increase blood pressure.
- Follow a healthy eating regimen, high in fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy foods.
- Minimize your intake of salt and sodium.
- Be physically active: Even doing light physical activity each day can be important to lowering your risk for high blood pressure. No need to run a marathon right away. Start small.
- Maintain a healthy body weight: Being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to elevate your blood pressure [2].
- Reduce your stress: Stress can get your blood boiling. Literally. Take a deep breath and ease your stress.
- Avoid smoking: We all know the negative impacts smoking has on your body. High blood pressure is just one of the many risks that come with lighting up.

Some vitamins and supplements have also been proven to help prevent high blood pressure. These include potassium, calcium, garlic, fish oils, and magnesium. As always, consult your doctor before beginning new dietary supplements or herbal treatments, as they can counteract or negatively impact other medications you may be taking.

Most importantly, live by the motto of taking care of yourself and remember to get checked regularly with your doctor to make sure you aren’t a candidate for increased blood pressure. If you take these steps, your health will greatly benefit.

References

1. Study links high blood pressure to memory trouble. Reuters.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE57O62820090826
Accessed on the web August 29, 2009.

2. High Blood Pressure Prevention. WebMD.
http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/preventing-high-blood-pressure
Accessed on the Web August 29, 2009.