One Heart, Five Habits

As we grow older, blood pressure tends to increase and create strain on the heart and its arteries. Though older people do suffer from hypertension, it is not always a natural result of aging. Hypertension can affect adults of all ages, at times due to excess sodium in our diets, lack of physical activity, and other modifiable risk factors.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major risk factor that can lead to dire consequences if not managed carefully. Backed by evidence-based research, One Heart, Five Habits answers some of the questions that Dr. Zielke is frequently asked by patients in her cardiology clinic, and presents five simple, important lifestyle practices to help lower blood pressure.

Readers will learn which foods to introduce into their diet and which to avoid, how exercise and rest can help them stay healthy and reduce stress, and how to monitor their progress so they can follow through with these lifestyle changes. The complementary One Heart Five Habits app also helps users stay on track with their habits. By following the five practices laid out in this book, readers can reduce their blood pressure through lifestyle changes, and, more importantly, keep it within an optimal range—leading to longer and healthier lives.

Foreword

Introduction

Why High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Matters

Habit 1: Reduce

Clean Out Your Kitchen

Habit 2: Eat

Stock Your Kitchen

Habit 3: Move

Exercise Regularly—and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Habit 4: Rest

Sleep Well and Destress

Habit 5: Monitor

Know Your Numbers

Conclusion

Glossary

Acknowledgements

Endnotes

Index