Managing High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It's defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, kidney failure especially along with other risk factors.

 

Tips For How You Can Manage High Blood Pressure.

Check your blood pressure regularly: Of the people that have high blood pressure, 32% don't know they have it and are causing stress and strain on their heart without even realizing it. Your blood pressure tends to increase slightly with age, so it's a good idea to have your doctor check it at least once per year.

Reduce your sodium intake: Too much sodium (found in table salt) can aggravate high blood pressure by causing your body to retain excessive fluids. These fluids can make it harder for your heart to pump effectively and can irritate blood vessels that are already sensitive.

Limit cholesterol and fats: Too much dietary cholesterol and saturated fats can build up on the inner walls of blood vessels and cause strain on them. Limit your daily cholesterol to no more than 100 mg of cholesterol per 1,000 calories of food. Restrict saturated fats to no more than 10% of your daily calories. Follow food labels carefully and track your progress.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise of any form if done religiously helps lower blood pressure as well as raises levels of "protective" HDL cholesterol (the kind that carries artery-clogging cholesterol out of your blood). Just make sure you consult with you physician before you start an exercise program and don't overdo it, especially when you first start out.

Stop smoking: If you smoke, stop right now! Smoking both raises your blood pressure and causes higher levels of artery-clogging cholesterol.

Take prescribed medications: Finally, if your doctor prescribes medication, make sure you take it faithfully in addition to any dietary modifications and exercise programs recommended. Too often, people take medication irregularly or not at all, causing them to be right back in the high-risk category. If you experience side effects, don't stop taking your medication. Instead, notify your doctor who can recommend an alternate type of medicine.