Divorce can give you hypertension!

Just had a divorce and facing persistent sleep problems? Check your blood pressure as you may be at the risk of potentially harmful increase in blood pressure, says a study. In the initial few months after a separation, sleep problems are probably pretty normal and this is an adjustment process that people can typically cope with well. 'But sleep problems that persist for an extended period may mean that you are potentially becoming depressed, leaving you susceptible to health problems,' said David Sbarra, an associate professor of psychology at University of Arizona, US. (Read: Can medicines for hypertension cause dizziness?)

The study looked at 138 people who had divorced their partner about 16 weeks before the start of the study. Participants were asked to report on their quality of sleep and their blood pressure was also measured. 'We saw changes in resting blood pressure were associated with sleep problems three months earlier. Earlier sleep problems predicted increases in resting blood pressure over time,' Sbarra noted. In addition, researchers found that the longer sleep problems in people persisted after their separation, the more likely those problems were to have an adverse effect on the blood pressure. (Read: 10 fruits and vegetables that are good for people with hypertension)

According to Kendra Krietsh, Sbarra's former student and now pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at University of Florida, US, people who have persistent difficulties sleeping after a divorce should find new ways to relax at bedtime. The study is to be published in a forthcoming issue of the journal Health Psychology. (Read: Dangers and complications of high and uncontrolled blood pressure)

Here are some ways to control high blood pressure

Lifestyle changes: Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, Associate Director & Unit Head, Cardiology, FMRI, Gurgaon emphasises that people with mid hypertension should try lifestyle and dietary changes before moving on to taking medicines. Here are some suggestions:

• Exercise regularly to improve your blood circulation and stay fit
• If you're overweight, follow a proper diet and exercise regime for weight loss. It's better to consult a nutritionist for better results.
• Manage stress by practicing yoga or meditation. Here's how you can control your blood pressure with yoga

Dietary changes:

• Optimize your salt intake. According to experts, people with high BP should not consume more than 1tsp of salt (6g salt)/day.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Include potassium-rich foods in your diet. Naini Setalvad, a renowned nutritionist suggests foods like garlic, onions, tomatoes, spinach, bananas, oranges, coconut water, prunes to be included.
• Avoid eating processed foods as they are loaded with fats and can also add to your salt intake. Read more about How to control blood pressure? (Disease Query)

You may also like to read:

• Herbal remedies for hypertension (Gallery)
• Gallery: Why is hypertension dangerous
• 10 ways hypertension or High BP affects your body
• World Hypertension Day 2013: How your heartbeats affect your BP
• World Health Day 2013: 10 diet tips for hypertension
• How beetroot can help reduce high BP or hypertension
• Beat high blood pressure with dal or lentils

With inputs from IANS

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