BLOG

14Sep 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Reducing Blood Pressure Naturally: Body Scan Meditation & Mindful Eating

Reducing Blood Pressure Naturally: Body Scan Meditation & Mindful Eating

Blog
Reducing Blood Pressure with Mindfulness: Effective, Simple Strategies Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major contributor to heart disease and stroke worldwide. While medication and lifestyle changes are standard treatments, mindfulness is gaining recognition as a powerful, natural way to lower blood pressure. Rooted in ancient practices, mindfulness offers stress-relief techniques that are easy to integrate into daily life. This blog will explore what mindfulness is, why it helps reduce blood pressure, and provide two simple, non-breathing mindfulness interventions to try. https://youtu.be/r68ykFtphDY What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present moment with a non-judgmental, open attitude. Instead of reacting automatically to stress or emotions, mindfulness encourages awareness and acceptance of your current experience. It has been widely researched for its ability to improve mental well-being…
Read More
02Sep 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
What’s More Effective in Preventing Type 2 Diabetes?

What’s More Effective in Preventing Type 2 Diabetes?

Blog
Tonya Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, MPH,FNP-C With the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, prevention strategies have become a major focus in healthcare. For individuals at high risk of developing the condition, interventions aimed at preventing diabetes onset can significantly impact long-term health outcomes. The two most widely studied approaches for diabetes prevention are lifestyle modifications (such as changes in diet and exercise) and pharmaceutical interventions like metformin. But which method is more effective? A recent meta-analysis titled "Comparison of the Efficacy of Metformin and Lifestyle Modification for the Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes" sheds light on this important question by analyzing the findings from multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs). https://youtu.be/nDX6r0Xr6zY What Was Known Previous studies have established that both lifestyle modifications and metformin can reduce the risk of developing…
Read More
29Jul 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
How to Titrate Antihypertensive Medications Based on AHA Guidelines

How to Titrate Antihypertensive Medications Based on AHA Guidelines

Blog
How to Titrate Antihypertensive Medications Based On AHA Guidelines Managing hypertension is critical for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a key role by prescribing and adjusting antihypertensive medications to ensure optimal blood pressure control with minimal side effects. This guide outlines how to effectively titrate antihypertensive medications, guided by evidence-based practices and the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Understanding Hypertension and Treatment Goals Hypertension is defined as a consistent blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher. The primary goal of hypertension treatment is to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by achieving and maintaining target blood pressure levels. According to AHA guidelines, the target for most adults is under 130/80 mmHg【1】. Initial Treatment Strategies Lifestyle Modifications Before starting…
Read More
17Jun 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
The Silent Impact: How Uncontrolled Hypertension Threatens Your Brain Health

The Silent Impact: How Uncontrolled Hypertension Threatens Your Brain Health

Blog
Welcome to our latest blog post on a topic that’s both crucial and often overlooked: uncontrolled hypertension and its profound impact on brain health. Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, affects millions worldwide. But did you know that it’s not just a heart issue? It’s a brain issue, too, with serious implications for cognitive health. Today, we will discuss how uncontrolled hypertension can lead to cognitive decline and what you can do to protect your brain. Understanding Uncontrolled Hypertension Hypertension is often dubbed the "silent killer" for a reason. It can stealthily wreak havoc on your body without any obvious symptoms, sometimes for years. When blood pressure remains consistently high, despite treatment and lifestyle changes, it’s considered uncontrolled. This condition is alarmingly common. The World Health Organization estimates that…
Read More
21May 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Its Connection to Hypertension

Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Its Connection to Hypertension

Blog
When we think about the health risks associated with hypertension, the immediate concerns that come to mind are heart disease and stroke. However, did you know that high blood pressure can also impact your vision? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults, and there is a significant connection between AMD and hypertension. What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? AMD is a medical condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision. This condition is most prevalent in individuals over the age of 50 and is characterized by a gradual deterioration of the macula, leading to vision impairment. AMD occurs in two forms: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular). Dry AMD is more common and progresses slowly,…
Read More
30Apr 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Empowering Hypertension Management: A Guide for Nurse Practitioners

Empowering Hypertension Management: A Guide for Nurse Practitioners

Blog
By Tonya Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, MPH, FNP- As healthcare providers, nurse practitioners (NPs) hold a crucial role in supporting patients with hypertension, a condition that affects millions worldwide. In this episode, we'll explore the multifaceted approach NPs can take to empower patients in managing hypertension effectively, integrating key concepts such as the stages of change model, medication adherence, and self-blood pressure monitoring. Assessment and Education One of the foundational steps in hypertension management is thorough assessment and patient education. NPs should utilize tools like the stages of change model to gauge patients' readiness for behavior change. By understanding where patients are in their journey, NPs can tailor education and support to meet individual needs, fostering engagement and empowerment. Stages of Change Model The stages of change model, also known as…
Read More
27Jun 2023 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement: The Key to Diagnosing and Managing Hypertension

Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement: The Key to Diagnosing and Managing Hypertension

Blog
By Tonya Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, MPH, FNP-Welcome to the Hypertension Blog, where we break down important information about high blood pressure in a way that is easy to understand. Today, we're going to talk about why it's essential to measure blood pressure accurately and how different methods can help in diagnosing and managing hypertension. Did you know that elevated blood pressure and hypertension are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases? In fact, they contribute to more cardiovascular events and lives lost due to disability than any other modifiable risk factor. That's why it's crucial to measure blood pressure accurately and identify individuals with hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is considered a significant risk factor for various health conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Here are some reasons why hypertension is considered…
Read More
27Mar 2023 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Understanding High Cholesterol: Causes, Risks, and Management Strategies

Understanding High Cholesterol: Causes, Risks, and Management Strategies

Blog
by Tonya L. Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, FNP, MPH-Today I want to tell you about cholesterol, review what it is, how it affects our health, and how to lower it if you have high cholesterol, among other things. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is present in the body and is essential for normal cell functioning. The liver produces it, and is also found in certain foods. [video width="640" height="360" mp4="http://hypertensionresistanttotreatment.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/heart-3995.mp4"][/video] There are two types of cholesterol, LDL or "bad" cholesterol and HDL or "good" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In contrast, HDL cholesterol helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for processing and excretion. What Are the Causes of High Cholesterol One of the primary causes…
Read More
04Jan 2023 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Managing Stress and High Blood Pressure: How Prioritizing Your Values Can Help

Managing Stress and High Blood Pressure: How Prioritizing Your Values Can Help

Blog
by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, FNP, MPH- Have you ever had your blood pressure increase unexpectedly although you are taking the same medications, eating the same foods, and doing the same exercises? You might not feel stressed and you are not sure what’s going on with your blood pressure. If this is happening to you, you might not be effectively managing your stress levels. Today I want to talk about the relationship between stress management and high blood pressure, and how some key strategies might potentially be useful for someone with hypertension. So let’s get to it. Hypertension High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. However, it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination…
Read More
22Dec 2022 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Comparing Blood Pressure Measurements and Their Effect On Treatment

Comparing Blood Pressure Measurements and Their Effect On Treatment

Blog
by Tonya L. Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, FNP, MPH- Have you ever wondered if the way your blood pressure is measured could affect your diagnosis and treatment for hypertension? In this podcast episode, we will explore the differences between automated, attended, and ambulatory blood pressure measurements and how these differences may impact the treatment of hypertension. You probably know by known that High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. In order to accurately diagnose and treat hypertension, it's important to have accurate blood pressure readings. But what you might not know is there are several ways to measure blood pressure besides the usual office measurement and home measurement. So, let’s unpack the definitions of these blood pressure methods. Automated…
Read More