Tag Archives: hypertension

Daily Habits to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure | Fullerton, CA

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One of the most common diseases afflicting Americans is hypertension or high blood pressure. While many enlist the help of medication to lower their blood pressure, that is not the only way to mitigate the associated risks. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or are at risk due to your lifestyle or habits, it’s important to understand easy changes that may dramatically improve your disposition.

Diet. The foods we eat and beverages we regularly consume are correlated to our blood pressure. Foods saturated in fat and cholesterol increase blood pressure, but fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy can help lower it.

Mind your weight. As your weight fluctuates, so can your blood pressure. An increase or decrease of 10 pounds may not seem like a lot, but it can make a big difference in your blood pressure.

Reduce Stress. When we become stressed, our cortisol increases and our blood pressure rises. To maintain or reduce your blood pressure, analyze the stressors in your life and find activities that help you overcome those stressors.

Watch your sodium intake. Even seemingly harmless amounts of sodium intake can adversely affect your blood pressure. If you are at risk or have recently been diagnosed with hypertension; begin reading food labels, reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet, and don’t oversaturate your meals with salt.

Exercise. Your blood pressure fluctuates, but cardio-driven activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing are all great activities to help reduce blood pressure.

If you would like more information on blood pressure, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today. Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.

What Is an Echocardiogram? | Fullerton, CA

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As we continue to age, we will find that health problems will begin to arise and need to be addressed by a doctor. If these issues are mainly in the chest area, additional tests may be conducted. One of these tests is an Echocardiogram. An Echocardiogram (ECHO) is a special non-invasive office ultrasound examination that determines the health of the heart by evaluating both its anatomy and function.

Before you get nervous, please understand not everyone will need a test like this. Who should have an Echocardiogram? Individuals of any age who have any of the following should expect to have one of these tests done in their lifetime:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Heart murmur or other abnormal heart examination finding
  • Mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
  • Irregular heart rhythm or palpitations
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Ankle swelling
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • History of diet pill use
  • History of congenital heart defects

Like we’ve stated before, this is a non-invasive test, but it will be a test that could possibly save your life. As for what results you can expect, an Echocardiogram of your heart will measure the following:

  • The four heart chambers that receive circulating blood (atriums) and then pump the blood (ventricles) to the lungs and body. Both the size of the chambers and the thickness of the chamber walls are measured. (Note: High blood pressure can cause wall thickening and subsequent weakening of the heart muscle.)
  • Pumping function of the heart muscle, while in motion.
  • Heart valve structure including prolapse (MVP) or leaking.
  • Pressure within the heart and lungs in patients with a history of diet pill use.
  • Detects blood clots, masses or infections of the heart.
  • Detects inflammation or fluid accumulation around the heart.

If you would like more information about echocardiograms, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today. 

Dr. Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.

Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check Naturally | Fullerton, CA

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If you’ve recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, or hypertension, you may be required to take medication to lower your numbers. But there are other ways you can go about doing so in a much more natural way with these at home remedies:

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight is tough on your heart and can also cause sleep apnea (disruptive breathing while asleep), which can further raise one’s blood pressure. Losing just 10 pounds can reduce your blood pressure immensely.

Exercise on a regular basis. Physical activity, like walking, jogging, swimming, cycling and dancing, can help you avoid it turning into full-blown hypertension.

Eat a healthy diet. Consuming a diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy can help lower your blood pressure. Be sure to avoid foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, as these foods can increase blood pressure.

Be smart with your salt intake. The effect of sodium intake varies among different groups of people. To decrease your sodium intake you can read food labels, eat fewer processed foods and avoid adding salt to meals.

Reduce your stress. Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, as well as occasional stress, if it leads you to eating unhealthy foods, drinking alcohol or smoking. To reduce your stress levels, you should take some time to think about what is causing your stress in the first place. Once you figure out what is causing your stress, think about how you can eliminate or reduce it.

If you would like more information on high blood pressure, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.gordongunnmd.com for additional information regarding women’s health. 

Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding Orange County areas.