As a nation, we have now been glued to our television sets, phones, tablets, and computers 24/7 for weeks. This pandemic sweeping nearly every country in the world has set our senses on overload with anxiety, fear, and panic.

It has put many of us into a fight or flight response which is meant to protect us. The thing is it is meant to protect us in emergency situations – short term. It was never meant for all of us to live in a continual state of fear day in and day out.

The main reason this is happening is the continual media coverage. Never before in all of our history has any news story taken over the airwaves in such a complete and total manner.

This is leading to stress, anxiety, and an overall feeling of uncertainty for the general public. Being in a constant flight or fight state drains your adrenal glands and raises your blood pressure. It is inducing what we have coined as a phrase “media-induced hypertension”.

What’s the answer?

1. Turn off your tv and disconnect. You do not need to watch coverage all day long every day.

1. Take your blood pressure daily. If it continues to be higher then you should contact your physician and talk to them. High blood pressure ongoing – hypertension, is dangerous to your health and wellness.

1. Take care of yourself – eat well, take your vitamins, get enough sleep, and get out and move. Even if the gyms are not open you can still get exercise and movement in.

Symptoms and signs you may have high blood pressure

• You may present no signs at all which is what makes it so dangerous if unchecked.
• Dizziness
• Arm tingling
• Heart palpitations

If your blood pressure is extremely high

• Severe headache.
• Fatigue or confusion.
• Vision problems.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Blood in the urine.
• Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears.

If you have been feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, tired, and on edge, please check your blood pressure. 120/80 is ideal. 140/90 or over is edging into hypertension and should be monitored by a doctor.

We would love to see you in our office. Give us a call to schedule 813-975-2800. www.tampacardio.com.