Obesity is related to a variety of co-morbidities, including diabetes, sleep apnoea, acid reflux etc. many of which we have explored in our previous blogs. In this blog we are going to explore its relationship with high blood pressure, otherwise known as Hypertension.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure relates to the pressure that the blood applies within the arteries, in particular the inner walls. Generally, for anyone with blood pressure readings of 140/90mmHg or above will be diagnosed as having high blood pressure. Ideally, blood pressure levels should be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. Naturally, blood pressure readings can vary depending upon the age and sex of a person and what one might perceive as high or low may in fact be completely normal for somebody else.
What causes high blood pressure?
Although it may not always be clear what exactly causes high blood pressure in some cases, there are factors that can most certainly increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. These include, being overweight, not exercising enough, drinking an excess amount of either coffee or alcohol, eating foods high in salt and being over the age of 65. The good news is that by making lifestyle changes, such as lowering your salt intake, omitting caffeine based drinks, exercising more and adopting a healthier diet can all help reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure.
How can weight loss surgery help?
If you have already developed high blood pressure and are still overweight, despite adopting a healthier lifestyle and increasing exercise levels, then weight loss surgery could help. Professor Senapati offers a range of weight loss procedures, including Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Band and Gastric Balloon. Recent research has highlighted the fact that gastric bypass surgery in particularly is associated with a longstanding decrease or remission of high blood pressure.
Here at Obesity Surgery Manchester, many of our patients have reduced blood pressure following weight loss surgery. For many of those patients, they no longer require blood pressure medications. Take a look at some of our patients’ video testimonials to hear their success stories.