More people in the United States die from heart problems than any other health issue. One of the main things that can lead to heart disease is high blood pressure, but you can control it by living a healthy life.
This American Heart Month, Telligen is highlighting the importance of heart health and steps we can take to protect our hearts. While you can’t change some risk factors like age and family history, you can control others, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Here’s how one member transformed their heart health through lifestyle change.
Pressure Points
After receiving a diagnosis of high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels during their annual physical, the member decided to take action. They enrolled in Telligen’s At-Risk Health Coaching program to improve their health.
“It had been going up for the last two to three years, and common sense just told me that it would continue to go up if I did not intervene with some serious improvements to my health,” the member said. “It’s hard to research this yourself, since the Internet can be known to throw a lot of misinformation out there, so I decided to reach out to an expert nutritionist at Telligen.”
Breaking the Cycle
The member’s health coach answered nutrition questions and shared articles about cholesterol and other health issues. Regular meetings kept the member accountable and helped them stay focused on their health goals.
From Crisis to Control
Through implementing lifestyle changes with the help of their health coach, the member’s blood pressure improved.
“This is the amazing part,” the member said, “My blood pressure has fallen!”
The member’s systolic blood pressure (the top number) dropped from 138 to the 110-119 range. Their diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) dropped from 84 to between 70 and 80 on average. These numbers significantly lowered the member’s risk for hypertension and heart disease.
“I was totally surprised that my body responded to these lifestyle changes so easily,” the member said. “I feel better than I have felt in a long time and am actually optimistic I can reach an old age in good health.”
Telligen Care Connections: Member Success Story
Read the full member story here