Healthy Heart

What Are the Best Ways to Lower Blood Pressure?

What Are the Best Ways to Lower Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg is considered hypertension, and is one of the most prevalent and preventable conditions. High blood pressure is one of the causes of about 15% of deaths in the country, and also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Not to mention the risks of aneurysms, cognitive decline, and kidney failure that may be caused by this condition. Doctors may recommend medications to bring down the blood pressure. But these drugs may cause a number of side effects, including insomnia, dizziness and leg cramps. Many people are unaware of the fact that blood pressure can be lowered without using any kind of medications. Even if you are on medication, simple lifestyle changes may help in reducing the need for medication to control the pressure.

Here are few lifestyle changes that would be helpful in lowering the blood pressure:

  • Maintain a healthy body weight – Blood pressure is found to be related to body weight. The more weight loss, the lower the blood pressure. It is also said that lowering body weight would make medications more effective. Extra weight around the waistline is yet another factor that increases the risk of high blood pressure.
  • Exercise regularly – Studies show that regular physical activity help in reducing the blood pressure by 4 to 9 mm of Hg. Thus, increasing the activity level will automatically have a lowering effect on the pressure. Develop an exercise regimen after discussing with the doctor. Follow the restrictions carefully and gradually buildup the routine, if you have not been regularly doing exercise.
  • Healthy diet – Having a healthy diet can bring down the pressure considerably. Try to include more of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products to get healthy benefits. Reduce the intake of saturated fats and cholesterol. You can also consider improving the potassium intake through appropriate diet. This will help in reducing the effect of sodium in increasing the blood pressure.
  • Reduce sodium intake – Reducing the consumption of sodium in the diet can help in lowering the pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg. Limit the intake of sodium to less than 1,500 mg a day, particularly if you are above 50-years-old, or have conditions like hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. The best way to reduce sodium in the diet is to avoid processed foods and avoid adding extra salt to the food.
  • Limit alcohol consumption – Drinking too much alcohol can increase the blood pressure by several points. Cut back the extra alcohol and gradually reduce the quantity.
  • Quit smoking – Along with a number of other conditions, smoking can increase the blood pressure. For a person who smokes continuously throughout the day, the blood pressure remains high. Passive smoking also should be avoided as much as possible.
  • Reduce stress – Stress is one of the leading causes of hypertension. Try to eliminate all stress triggers or try to adjust with them in a healthier way. 
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