Doctor issues medication warning to people with high blood pressure and cholesterol

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Millions of Brits take regular medication, and taking tablets daily is part of many of our lifestyles. However, a cardiologist has issued a word of caution to those who take meds for high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Both of these conditions can eventually lead to heart disease, but Dr Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, says that whilst “prevention” may look “difficult” it’s easier than “treating heart disease” with medication.

Preventing heart disease instead of waiting for a diagnosis and treatment can be as simple as making lifestyle changes, such as switching up your diet or doing more exercise.

Urging people to make simple changes into their daily routine to better their health, the doctor has issued a warning to people who are “prescribed medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol” to help them avoid the risk of a heart attack.

In his urgent warning, he cautions: “Take those medications, check your numbers and be sure that all those factors [blood pressure and cholesterol levels] are well under control.”

What are the risk factors of high blood pressure?

• your age – you’re more likely to get high blood pressure as you get older
• having close relatives with high blood pressure
• your ethnicity – you’re at higher risk if you have a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic background
• having an unhealthy diet – especially a diet that’s high in salt
• being overweight
• smoking
• drinking too much alcohol
• feeling stressed over a long period

Cardiologist tips for a healthier life

The doctor advises that people should try and consume more vegetables and fruits, ensuring they are taking many vitamins and minerals into their diet which will make them feel more energetic and improve their heart health.

The cardiologist suggested eating whole grains for fibre and nutrients and choosing healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated options, such as avocado, reported Surrey Live.

A gut doctor previously stated that an avocado a day could keep the doctor away. Dr Steven Gundry says: “Avocados have become a trendy health food, but the truth is it’s an incredible superfood for your health.”

Urging people to “start incorporating it into your diet today”, he says they can “help you lose weight“. He explained that “avocados help you absorb the nutrients in food” and that they contain “great monounsaturated fat and are rich in prebiotic fibres. These compounds actually help you lose weight.”

Dr Lopez-Jimenez’s other tips include eating low-fat proteins, lean meat, poultry, fish and legumes and reducing how much salt you put on your food to help lower blood pressure.

You can also have smaller portions and ensure that any treats you have are “occasional”- everything in moderation is key.

Heart health can also be improved by “trying to eat healthier a little bit at a time, moving around through the day, and avoiding sitting for too long,” the doctor concludes.