Content

• Steps

If you've recently had surgery, your doctor may recommend taking care of your health by lowering your blood pressure. This can be done by making changes in your diet and lifestyle. After surgery, you need to consult your doctor before making any changes to your routine. Your doctor will advise you on the best options.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Modify the diet for low levels of physical activity

1. 

   Reduce sodium intake. Sodium is in salt, so you can reduce your sodium intake by eating less salt. This spice adds flavor to food. Some people accustomed to eating salty foods typically eat 3,500 mg of sodium (in salt) per day. If you have high blood pressure and need to fix it after surgery, your doctor will advise you to limit salt intake completely. This means that you should only eat up to 2,300 mg of sodium per day. There are a few steps you can take:
   • Note snacks. Instead of eating items like french fries, savory crackers, or nuts, try apples, bananas, carrots or green bell peppers.
   • Eat canned foods that are not preserved with salt or are low in sodium on the package.
   • Use less salt when preparing food, or stop using salt altogether. Instead, use other spices like cinnamon, paprika, parsley, and oregano. Remind yourself not to use.

2. 

   
   
   Boost your health with whole grains. These foods contain more nutrients, fiber, and calories than processed white flour. You can get more calories from whole grains and complex carbohydrates through six to eight servings per day. Each serving is equivalent to half a bowl of rice or a piece of bread. You can increase your grain intake by:
   • Breakfast with oatmeal or brown oats. Add a few pieces of fresh fruit or raisins for sweetness.
   • Check that bread packaging contains whole grains.
   • Buy whole grain pasta and flour instead of a white set.

3. 

   
   
   Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. You should eat four to five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Each portion equals half a cup. Fruits and vegetables contain minerals that help control blood pressure, such as potassium and magnesium. You can increase your intake of fruits and vegetables by:
   • Start the meal with a salad (salad). Eating the first salad helps alleviate the feeling of hunger. Do not eat salads at the end of a meal as you will be full and will not be able to eat much. Add flavor to appetizers by adding fruits and vegetables. Limit salt, cheese, and sauces as they are high in salt. Instead, use low-sodium cooking oils and vinegar.
   • Have fruits and vegetables ready for a quick snack. Bring carrots, green bell peppers, or apples to work or school.

4. 

   
   
   Limit your intake of fat. High-fat diets can clog arteries and raise blood pressure. However, there are many ways you can lose fat while getting all the nutrients you need for your post-surgical recovery.
   • Dairy products such as raw milk and cheese contain calcium and vitamin D, but they are often high in fat and salt. Choose low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Particularly cheese should also be less fat.
   • Eat lean poultry and fish instead of red meat. You should cut the fat in the meat. Eat up to 180 grams of meat per day. You can make healthy meats by steaming, grilling and limiting frying.
   • Reduce excess fat. Fat can be found in butter and mayonnaise in sandwiches, cooked with thick cream, or in fatty fats, such as butter or Crisco. Each serving equals one teaspoon. Eat up to three servings of fat per day.

5. 

   Limit sugar intake. Processed sugars cause your body to eat more because they do not provide the nutrients needed to feel full. You should only eat up to five servings of sugar per week.
   • While artificial sweeteners like Splenda, NutraSweet, and Equal can fill your sweet tooth, you should try to replace the sweets with something healthy like fruits and vegetables.
   advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery

1. 

   Give up smoking. Smoking and / or chewing tobacco tobacco constrict blood vessels and reduce elasticity, causing blood pressure to rise. If you live with a smoker, ask them to smoke outside so you don't have to become a passive smoker. This is extremely important in the post-operative recovery period. If you need to quit smoking yourself, you can try the following remedies:
   • Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
   • Seek support from the hotline, support group, or psychiatrist.
   • Use medication or nicotine replacement therapy.

2. 

   Do not drink alcohol. If you are new to surgery, you will take medicine to maintain your health and aid in your recovery. Alcohol can interfere with how medications work.
   • Also, if your doctor advises you to lose weight, consuming high-calorie alcoholic beverages may interfere with your weight loss efforts.
   • If you need to quit drinking, talk to your doctor about medical treatment and support. Your doctor will recommend a number of treatments, support groups, and counseling services that are right for you.

3. 

   Effective stress reduction. Recovering from surgery is a stressful process, both physically and mentally. Some common relaxation techniques you can use to help limit physical activity include:
   • Meditate
   • Listen to music or join the arts
   • Deep breath
   • Visualize a peaceful image
   • Progressive contractions and relaxation of each muscle group in the body

4. 

   Exercise if your doctor allows it. Physical exercise is an effective way to reduce stress and lose weight. However, if you are recovering from surgery, you need to exercise moderately.
   • Daily walking is safe for many types of surgeries, so you can consult with your doctor about this physical activity, as well as the right time to start.
   • Consult with your doctor and physiotherapist about an exercise program that is right for you. Continue to see your doctor and physical therapist to check your body condition and continue with an exercise program to improve your health.
   advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Consult a Doctor

1. 

   Contact your doctor if you suspect high blood pressure. Many people with high blood pressure are unaware of this, as there are often no obvious symptoms. However, you may notice the following symptoms:
   • Shortness of breath
   • Headache
   • Nosebleed
   • Blurred vision or split vision

2. 

   Take blood pressure medication as advised by your doctor. During recovery from surgery, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat high blood pressure. Since blood pressure-lowering medications have the potential to interact with other medications, it is important that you inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. These may include over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal medicines. Your doctor may prescribe the following drugs:
   • ACE inhibitors. This medicine relaxes blood vessels. They can interact with many medications, so talk with your doctor about all of the medications you are taking.
   • Calcium channel blockers. This dilates blood vessels and lowers the heart rate. Be careful not to drink grape juice while taking this medicine.
   • Diuretic. This medicine causes you to go to the toilet regularly and reduce the amount of salt in your body.
   • Medicines that regulate heart activity. This helps the heart beat more slowly and steadily.

3. 

   Talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking. If you are concerned that medications you are taking or needing to take after surgery may raise your blood pressure, consult your doctor.Your doctor needs to know all of the information about the medications you are taking to prescribe accordingly. Do not stop the medication before talking to your doctor. Some medications that can raise blood pressure include:
   • Pain relievers are available over the counter. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen and others). Consult your doctor before using pain relievers during recovery.
   • Certain types of birth control pills
   • Medicines for nasal congestion and colds, especially those containing pseudoephedrine.
   advertisement