Manage your hypertension with FSA eligible products

Hypertension, better known as high blood pressure, ranks among the top health problems in the U.S., affecting 67 million American adults. That’s 1 in 3 U.S. adults who have to be mindful of their blood pressure levels, which can lead to a wide range of health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute named May National High Blood Pressure Education Month, with a particular emphasis on the threat of uncontrolled hypertension. With a theme of “If Your Blood Pressure Is Not 140/90, Ask Your Doctor Why,” the initiative aims to encourage individuals who already suffer from hypertension to better manage their ailment to ward off future health problems.

The key to controlling hypertension lies in lifestyle changes, consistent consultation with healthcare professionals and regular diagnostics. Luckily, those who have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can purchase what they need to control high blood pressure and make informed choices for the future.

Here are a few FSA eligible products and healthier choices that can keep hypertension under control.

1. Invest in a blood pressure monitor

Before setting a goal to reduce hypertension levels, patients will need a means of tracking these levels and making the requisite changes in the future. These FSA eligible products come in various designs, from traditional manual inflating styles to fully digital diagnostic products. They’re smart investments that can provide extremely useful information for hypertension sufferers. Check out FSAstore.com’s selection of blood pressure monitors.

2. Cut out that smoking habit

Smoking is one of the leading causes of high blood pressure as well as innumerable other health problems. Kicking this habit to the curb is a definite step in the right direction. Nicotine patches and gums are FSA eligible with a prescription (these items contain medicine, and they require a prescription for FSA reimbursement), so it’s easier than ever to quit smoking for good.

3. Reduce sodium intake

In terms of diet, sodium plays a huge role in increasing blood pressure levels and contributing to cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. Eating healthy, natural foods, cutting down on commercial and takeout foods are great steps in the right direction to adapting to a low sodium diet.

4. Make healthier lifestyle choices

Whether it’s making an effort to exercise 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week, limiting stress and eating healthier, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that embracing these healthy habits in tandem with blood pressure medications is paramount to better managing hypertension.