Ten Things You Should Do To Combat High Blood Pressure

Are u hypertensive? Are you always having problem with your blood pressure? Here are ten things you must do to cope with high blood pressure. But before then what is high blood pressure? Read On.

High blood pressure? - What is it?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means the pressure in your arteries is above the normal range. Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure or force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. When the pressure becomes so high it becomes a serious health issue that can trigger so many health abnormalities.

What should I do if I have high blood pressure?

• If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should aim to lower your blood pressure to less than 140/90, or to less than 130/80 if you have diabetes or kidney disease.

• Check your own blood pressure at home as recommended.

• Eat healthy foods that are low in salt and fat.

• Achieve and maintain your ideal body weight.

• Limit alcohol to no more than two drinks each day. One drink is defined as 1 oz of alcohol, 5 oz of wine, or 12 oz of beer.

• Be more physically active.

• Quit smoking.

• Work on controlling anger and managing stress.

• Take high blood pressure medicine if your health care provider prescribes it, and follow the health care provider’s directions carefully.

• Have regular blood pressure checks by your health care provider. 

What should I know about blood pressure medicine?

There are many different medicines to treat high blood pressure, and you might need to take medicine from now on. If you are told by your health care provider to take high blood pressure medicine, be sure to follow the exact directions.

Also ask what side effects can happen with your medicine, and talk to your health care provider about any problems or side effects you might have with your medicine. Lastly, do not stop taking the medicine on your own.

How can I learn more about high blood pressure?

Talk to your health care provider or visit your local library. You can also contact health care agencies such as:

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Information Center
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/
The American Heart Association
1.800.242.8721