How to Stop Hypertension

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries. The pressure is noted as two separate numbers, systolic (the pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure when the heart is relaxed). These numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury and their levels can give an indication of health. If your systolic number is over 140 or your diastolic number is over 90, you have hypertension. Hypertension is very dangerous and unless steps are taken to lower the blood pressure, it can prove to be fatal.

Things You'll Need

• Low sodium foods
• New healthy diet
• Running shoes
• Workout routine

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Instructions

• 1

  Change your diet. Much of the health problems associated with high blood pressure come from the diet. Switch to a healthier well balanced diet in order to get the nutrients you need.

• 2

  Cut sodium out of your diet. Salt retains water and when it retains water in the body, there is more fluid to go around. This excess fluid begins to put pressure on your heart. By cutting back on the salt, you can lower the pressure.

• 3

  Lose weight. If you suffer from hypertension and you are overweight, getting back to the correct weight for your height will make it easier for the heart to move the blood throughout the body.

• 4

  Begin a daily workout routine. Make sure that you have at least 30 minutes of a cardio work out (any workout which gets your heart rate up like running or swimming). A cardio workout helps strengthen the heart, making it easier for it to work and it oxygenates the blood which helps it move through the arteries.

• 5

  Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and take steps to quit smoking. Smoking actually helps to harden artery walls which causes more pressure to be placed on them by passing blood vessels (normally they are a bit elastic). Excess alcohol can weaken the heart, making it harder for it to pump blood.