Patient Success Story: Blood Pressure Management

High blood pressure affects nearly half of American adults, putting them at risk for serious health complications. With the right support, you can adopt healthier habits to manage your blood pressure and improve your overall health. See how Sarah, with the help of her First Stop Health care team, successfully lowered her blood pressure and embraced a healthier lifestyle.

The problem.

Sarah, a 42-year-old teacher had been having headaches and dizziness for a few weeks, so she made an appointment with her First Stop Health primary care doctor. Her doctor asked her some questions about her health and referred her to an in-network lab for bloodwork and vitals. At her follow up visit, he told her that her blood pressure was high. He put Sarah on blood pressure medication and referred her to a First Stop Health coach to help her make changes to her diet and exercise.

The solution.

Sarah met with her health coach the following week and they created a personalized plan for healthy living that included addressing her diet and exercise habits.

The health coach introduced Sarah to the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while reducing salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. Sarah learned to read food labels carefully and started preparing her meals at home to control her sodium intake.

Sarah also learned ways to incorporate exercise into her busy life. This not only helped lower her blood pressure but also improved her overall fitness and energy levels.

Recognizing the impact of stress on her blood pressure, Sarah's health coach taught her various stress-reduction techniques, including deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation and progressive muscle relaxation. She also encouraged Sarah to find time for hobbies and activities that she enjoyed, like gardening and reading.

The result.

A few months later, Sarah could already see results. Her blood pressure began to drop and she felt more energetic and less stressed. She also lost 5 pounds, which further contributed to her improved health. Sarah's success story didn’t stop there; she continued to incorporate these healthy habits into her daily life, making them a permanent part of her routine.

Inspired by her own transformation, Sarah started sharing her journey with her colleagues, encouraging them to meet with a First Stop Health provider. Her story is a powerful example of how the right support and commitment to lifestyle changes can effectively manage high blood pressure and lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.