5 Tips to Lower High Blood Pressure
Reduce Your Risk for High Blood Pressure
Generally, there are no real symptoms of high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) which makes this condition a risky one, especially when it is difficult to identify if this is affecting you. It’s important to see your doctor for a definite diagnosis. Plus, it's even more important that you take the opportunity to learn what you can do to keep your blood pressure in control. Routine checkups with your doctor is really important especially if you know about any of your close relatives that have had a history of hypertension, heart attacks, or strokes.
Hypertension risk factors include obesity, drinking too much alcohol, smoking and family history. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, or are diabetic, or have been diagnosed with pre-hypertension (bp slightly higher than 120/80), there are several things you can do naturally to lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, and prevent the likelihood of causing damage to your arteries, heart, brain, and kidneys.
There are several methods to lowering high blood pressure: Eating right, exercise more, and when necessary - take perscribed medication. Gaining control of your heart health will significantly reduce your risks. And, not only will an improved diet and exercise lower high blood pressure, it can help make medications work more efficiently if you need to take it.
Below are the approximate outcomes of specific lifestyle changes and how it can reduce your blood pressure numbers. Systolic blood pressure is the “top” number in a blood pressure reading and by lowering your systolic blood pressure; your diastolic blood pressure will likely come down as well.
Lower Blood Pressure, Naturally
| Activity: |
Result (Reduction in Systolic BP) |
|---|---|
| Weight Loss | 5-20 points per 22 lbs lost |
| Follow DASH* diet | 8-14 points |
| Reduce Salt & Sodum intake |
2-8 points |
| Exercise | 4-9 points |
| Moderate drinking | 2-4 points |
For more information about high blood pressure, consult your doctor.
Search for more information on DASH Diet Guidelines
Find easy low sodium recipes
Find out more about moderate drinking guidelines
Article Source: Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure: "Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
