Increased heart rate might cause heavy breathing and dizziness. These symptoms might be caused by stress and could increase the disease known as hypertension. As a result, diagnosing hypertension in the majority of untreated people may be comparable to identifying stress symptoms.

Many people are unaware that when the body is stressed, it can create hormones that increase the heart rate, which in turn contributes to high blood pressure. Putting important organs and blood arteries under a lot of stress, resulting in damage.

For the sake of their health, people with hypertension must deliberately avoid stressors. Children or grandchildren with a family history of hypertension or heart disease should avoid stresses as well, because genetics account for 50% of the ailment.

Dr. Erick Frago, Director for the Grepa Medical Diagnostic Clinic, shares these tips to avoid stress:

•  Stop smoking. A Stanford Medicine study on coronary heart disease in the Philippines said 28% of Filipinos smoke cigarettes. Some admit they “self-medicate” with cigarettes to relieve stress. However, smoking only heightens feelings of anxiety and tension because it stimulates the brain to be in such state. Likewise, prolonged smoking damages the lungs, preventing good air exchange between CO2 and Oxygen.”

Dr. Frago says cutting cigarette consumption is key to good heart health. E-cigarettes and vape pens aren’t safe either, as showed by many clinical studies that the risk develop from cigarettes are also noted from e-cigarettes.

• Cut the caffeine.  Another stimulant drug to avoid is caffeine: coffee, tea, and even chocolates. Caffeine causes a short but sharp spike in blood pressure, which explains the palpitations that come after having one too many cups of joe. Excessive caffeine can also cause sleeping difficulties, which leads to sleep deprivation that can elevate blood pressure.

Dr. Frago recommends sticking to one to three cups of coffee a day, preferably the naturally brewed and not the instant type. “Decaffeinated coffee may be a good alternative but still in moderate amounts.  Those who normally drink four to six cups daily may cut down their consumption gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.”

• Pay your sleep debt. Not getting enough sleep or rest is another stressor that can exacerbate hypertension. A study on stress published by The American Psychological Association says adults who sleep fewer than eight hours a night experience higher levels of stress than those who get at least 8 hours of sleep.

For those who struggle to sleep at night, Dr. Frago suggests not eating a big meal or consuming caffeine at least two hours before bedtime. “Avoid using gadgets an hour before bedtime, too, as the blue light emitted by your mobile phone or laptop stimulates the brain to be kept awake,” said Dr. Frago. “Keep a warm ambience by using warm lighting in bedrooms to stimulate sleep. Avoid making your bedroom an office, if possible, separate the working area from your resting area inside your household. As always suggested to leave your personal problems at home when going to work, leave your work problems in your office when you go home.”

•  Take a break. “Being a workaholic is bad for your heart,” says Dr. Frago. A study by the American Heart Association about working long hours supports this statement, showing that working more than 49 hours a week can increase your chances of developing chronic hypertension by 66%.

 “Take work breaks every now and then,” says Dr. Frago. “Stretch, drink water, and avoid looking at a device screen for at least 10 minutes. Additionally, set a time limit for the workday to have ample time for rest. Always remember that the 24 hours in a day can be divided into three 8-hour windows specifically designed for your need. The first 8-hour window ought to be dedicated to work; the second window dedicated to sleep to keep you recharged; and the last 8-hour window dedicated to quality time spent on yourself, family, and friends. Remember that the last 8 hours are priceless.”

• Invest in your self-care.  Dr. Frago says self-care habits, even simple ones, go a long way in reducing stress. These include carving out time for hobbies, getting a massage, and spending time outdoors, among others. These activities help people relax and disconnect from stressful events, allowing their blood pressure to stabilize.

Self-care also involves staying on top of one’s physical health. Going to checkups regularly, monitoring blood pressure, and taking medication are critical to avoiding hypertensive crises and other illnesses.

Getting insured is another form of self-care. Health insurance coverage can help secure your finances in case of medical-related issues, as the benefits can be used to support expenses for healthcare products and services.

Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), a major life insurance company in the country, offers four health protection plans suitable for the different health needs of all life stages:

• Sun Grepa Fit and Well is a comprehensive life and health protection plan that provides financial benefits upon early or late diagnosis of any of the 100+ covered critical illness conditions. This plan can be availed at a young age to enjoy health protection for life.
• Sun Grepa Senior Care is specifically designed to provide health insurance to those who are already in their pre-retiree or retiree life stages. Benefits include access to preventative health care, and coverage for 17 common advanced-age critical illness conditions.
• Sun Grepa Cancer Care is a specialized health protection plan that enables one to be prepared and in control of his finances should cancer strike.
• Sun Grepa ProHealth is a convenient and affordable health solution that provides protection benefits to help one get through any stage of a critical illness. The product may be availed through an easy and hassle-free application process using a simple health questionnaire with no medical examination requirement.  

To know which Sun Life Grepa health protection plan suits your lifestyle and health needs, contact a Sun Life Grepa advisor, ask a Bancassurance Sales Officer at any RCBC branch, or email wecare@sunlifegrepa.com.