Five Tips for Controlling High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure that is left untreated can put strain on your heart and cardiovascular system. This stress can increase your odds of other serious medical issues like heart attack, stroke and kidney problems. If you are diagnosed with this condition, it is important to find effective methods for controlling high blood pressure. We have listed five tips for keeping this potentially serious condition in check.
Eat Right
Controlling high blood pressure is just one more reason to get plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet every single day. On top of the many healthy substances found in these foods, fruits and vegetables contain potassium, which is a key nutrient in controlling blood pressure. It is also important to reduce your saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium to keep those numbers at a healthy level.
Exercise Every Day
The American Heart Association recommends 30-60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week to keep your weight in check. This habit is also highly effective in controlling high blood pressure. Activity can include a brisk walk or jog, a bicycle ride or a few laps of swimming. Anything that you enjoy and gets your blood pumping will be the perfect choice in keeping your heart and cardiovascular system pumping at optimum healthy levels.
Keep your Weight in Check
Studies have shown that many people who are diagnosed with high blood pressure are also overweight. Eating right and exercising daily will go far in keeping your weight in check, and a healthy weight is an important key in controlling high blood pressure. In fact, studies show that dropping extra pounds is often sufficient in lowering blood pressure without the need for additional treatment.
Say No to Cigarettes and Alcohol
Kick the smoking habit and you are on the right track to controlling high blood pressure, since regular nicotine use has been shown to raise blood pressure levels. And while small amounts of alcohol can actually be good for your heart, more than one drink a day for women, or two for men, can raise your blood pressure and add pounds to your weight.
Take Medication if your Doctor Recommends It
For some people, diet and lifestyle changes will not be sufficient in controlling high blood pressure. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe a variety of medications that will help to keep those numbers in check. It is important to take all medicines as prescribed, and let your doctor know if you experience any side effects from them.
High blood pressure that is left untreated can put you at a higher risk for many potentially serious conditions. The good news is that there are methods for controlling high blood pressure that will help you get your numbers back down to a healthy level.
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