High Blood Pressure


High Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Disease, and Excess Weight

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common but potentially dangerous medical condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure levels. It affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease.

Excess weight gain, especially when associated with increased visceral adiposity, is a major cause of hypertension, accounting for 65% to 75% of the risk for human primary (essential) hypertension

At Harvey Brooker Weight Loss for Men we have helped thousands of Toronto men lose weight in a natural way and manage high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Types of High Blood Pressure

Primary (essential) hypertension: This is the most common type of high blood pressure, affecting 90-95% of people with the condition. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, excess alcohol consumption, smoking, stress and obesity cause primary hypertension.

Secondary hypertension: This type of high blood pressure occurs as a result of an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders. It accounts for about 5-10% of all cases and is usually reversible once the underlying cause is identified and treated.

Common Issues Associated with High Blood Pressure

Hypertension can lead to various serious health issues:

  • Stroke: High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to an increased risk of stroke.
  • Heart attack: Hypertension contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.
  • Heart failure: High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, which eventually weakens the heart muscle, leading to heart failure.
  • Kidney disease: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste from the blood and potentially leading to kidney failure.
  • Vision problems: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in vision problems or even blindness.

How High Blood Pressure Can Affect Men

  • Erectile dysfunction: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and nerves responsible for erectile function, leading to erectile dysfunction.
  • Prostate issues: Men with hypertension may have an increased risk of developing an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can cause urinary issues.
  • Testosterone levels: High blood pressure has been linked to lower testosterone levels, which can contribute to fatigue, decreased sex drive, and reduced muscle mass.
  • Higher risk of cardiovascular events: Men are generally at a higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, compared to women. High blood pressure further increases this risk.

How We Support Men With High Blood Pressure in Toronto

We help overweight men manage their health issues by eating better without going hungry and developing healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Many of our members who suffer from high blood pressure and are on blood pressure medication are able to lower their doses or get off their medication completely by changing their lifestyle and eating habits. 

Personalized Support: We offer both online and in-person weight loss support, as well as group and personal coaching. No matter the format, our members receive the motivation, support and guidance they need to succeed.

Unique Eating Plan: Our easy-to-follow 20/20 Healthy Eating Plan™ is tailored just for men and it uses a calculated unit system that will help you understand portion control and make better eating choices without going hungry. Everything can be purchased at your local supermarket.

Accountability: Our program helps members stay on track through regular check-ins and support.

Proven Success: We have helped thousands of men regain their health since 1985. Take a look at our Google reviews!

Attend a free meeting and see why our program has provided consistent and lasting success for our members.

If You Could Do It Alone, You Would Have Done It Already.

Toronto Men Who Have Lost Weight with Us

  • I used eight diets over 40-some years. Lost weight on all, then gained it all back. This is not a "diet"; it is a lifestyle change. At Harvey Brooker I... read more

    media thumbnail 0
    Bern Grush Avatar Bern Grush
    September 11, 2024

    Once my husband joined Harvey Brooker, we were in it together! From January until August 2019, between him, our son (who started on our eating habits in May)... read more

    Trish Waters Avatar Trish Waters
    September 11, 2024

    My experience at Harvey Brooker has changed my life for the better. I have been with the program for 6 months and reached my target weight after losing 22lbs. When... read more

    George Agnew Avatar George Agnew
    September 11, 2024
  • I've lost 57 lbs. and more importantly feel great and confident that I am on the road to achieving my goal weight. The program is easy to follow, and... read more

    Peter Z Avatar Peter Z
    March 11, 2024

    I began my weight loss journey at the beginning of July. So far I am down 25lbs and counting! This has been a lifestyle change rather than a... read more

    Glenn Reid Avatar Glenn Reid
    September 11, 2024

    I joined Harvey Brooker 6 years ago and have maintained my loss for 5 years. Quite simply, this program changed my life. I recommend it for any man who needs... read more

    erez blumberger Avatar erez blumberger
    November 11, 2023
  • The process works! Unlike diets and fads it's nothing more than a lifestyle change of eating right, no expensive foods, no starvation (quite the opposite really). If you... read more

    Rich T Avatar Rich T
    April 11, 2024

    A supportive environment with structure. The education and knowledge shared by members is invaluable in my journey to a healthier lifestyle. I appreciate having the support of the in person... read more

    Bob McMahon Avatar Bob McMahon
    August 11, 2024

    “If you could do it alone, you would have done it already”…..With this mantra, Harvey Brooker captured the essence of our weakness. We don’t read instructions; we don’t ask for... read more

    Allan West Avatar Allan West
    November 11, 2023
  • If you have struggled with weight gain, are a male, and wish to really make progress, Harvey Brooker is for you. It is not a quick fix, but rather... read more

    Tim Topornicki Avatar Tim Topornicki
    November 11, 2023

    Great place Down 30 + It’s the right place for me

    rob thompson Avatar rob thompson
    November 11, 2023

    The program has been fantastic! Since starting in December of 2022, I have been able to start eating healthier and I find I have way more energy, sleeping better and... read more

    Jason MacDonald Avatar Jason MacDonald
    March 11, 2024
  • I joined Harvey Brooker Weight for Men on May 2021. I weighed 242 lbs and felt desperate. With a diabetes 2 diagnosis and other health issues, I needed help. It... read more

    Tk fodder Avatar Tk fodder
    April 11, 2024

    I lost 50lbs and have kept it off for a while now, and am 100% sure they won’t creep back in. Why? It’s not a diet, it’s a permanent... read more

    media thumbnail 0
    Andy Frank Avatar Andy Frank
    July 11, 2024

    In the past I struggled trying to diet . Their realistic and easy to follow meal plan coupled with their weekly motivational meeting has made the weight loss achievable. ... read more

    Mark Avatar Mark
    November 11, 2023
  • I make a 2 hr drive, all the way from Collingwood to Toronto to attend the Tuesday evening Harvey Brooker meetings. People have asked me “ is nothing closer... read more

    Peter Corlett Avatar Peter Corlett
    September 11, 2024

    For me, Harvey Brooker Weight Loss for Men is the only program that is designed to train you to keep the weight off after you have lost it. Many weight... read more

    John Becevello Avatar John Becevello
    April 11, 2024

    A comunity of individuals who are dedicated to a lifestyle and helping others in the program.

    Len Perera Avatar Len Perera
    August 11, 2024
  • Been on the program for more than one year and have lost 35 lbs. I am continuing to lose weight but have really been focused on healthy eating as a... read more

    Steve Lubczuk Avatar Steve Lubczuk
    April 11, 2024

    I have kept a 50 lb. loss off for over 3- years. I've learned how to eat properly and developed a new life style. Extremely happy with the program... read more

    Bill Drew Avatar Bill Drew
    August 11, 2024

    I've been with Harvey Brooker for several years and I've lost 70 pounds so far and am just under 10 pounds to my goal weight. The HB team has... read more

    Mackenzie Avatar Mackenzie
    August 11, 2024
  • No gimmicks or other nonsense. Excellent non-judgemental support from both staff and other participants. Food plan is easy to follow. It is all about change to our lifestyle - not... read more

    Jack Kugelmass Avatar Jack Kugelmass
    September 11, 2024

    The only real no gimmick weight loss program there is. Learn how to change your lifestyle to a healthy one with no special foods, no injections, supplements or gimmicks. Great... read more

    Jim Walsh Avatar Jim Walsh
    April 11, 2024

    A husky boy. That's what I was used to hearing while I was growing up particularly at the clothing store. That didn't make me feel great. Life... read more

    Rick Mamros Avatar Rick Mamros
    April 11, 2024
  • I tried several different programs prior to Harvey Brooker. I had success, but ultimately failed. Once I lost the weight I wanted to, I gained it back. Quite a normal... read more

    Chris Page Avatar Chris Page
    November 11, 2023

    All the staff truly care about helping people lose weight. Would recommend to anyone looking for some guidance with weight loss.

    Tanvir Jhita Avatar Tanvir Jhita
    June 11, 2024

    I want to thank The Harvey Brooker Weight Loss team and the supportive group of men in keeping me focused. Still maintaining my weight loss of 56 lbs. after... read more

    Lg Caporusso Avatar Lg Caporusso
    July 11, 2024
  • The 20/20 Plan, online resources and the support at regular meetings are what make this program so effective for anyone trying to get control of their eating habits.

    Mark Chambers Avatar Mark Chambers
    April 11, 2024

    I run a YouTube channel that involves aviation, and I always found it challenging to stand outside for long periods of time taking pictures and videos. After getting healthy with... read more

    Wake Turbulence Avatar Wake Turbulence
    April 11, 2024

    They deliver on value and commitment to help achieve my goal of living a healthy lifestyle

    Fortunato Pitaro Avatar Fortunato Pitaro
    August 11, 2024
Previous
Next

Find out why we’re the top-rated men’s weight loss clinic in Toronto.

Join our community of men transforming their lives with expert support and an easy-to-follow eating plan that delivers real, lasting results.

Related Articles