Guidelines for Hypertension Management

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as "the silent killer." According to the American Heart Association, 1/3 of the people with high blood pressure don't even know they have it. That's because hypertension rarely gives outward signs--but it can lead to stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Understanding how to control the risk factors associated with the condition is the first step toward managing hypertension

Weight

• Being overweight is one of the risk factors for hypertension. By losing weight, you can lower your blood pressure. It's not magic. Basically, being overweight puts a heavier burden on the heart and thus makes it harder to pump blood through the body. Diet tends to be a sticking point as well. Those who eat a lot of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods tend to plug up their artery walls, making it harder for blood to move about the body.

Exercise

• If you're a sedentary person, you have a greater risk of developing hypertension. There are a couple of reasons why this is so. People who don't get exercise are at risk of being overweight. Second, a steady regimen of exercise releases a compound in our bodies called nitric oxide, which helps to keep blood flowing smoothly through the veins.

Limit Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

• Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol also play a part in increasing your risk for developing hypertension. The nicotine in cigarettes slows the flow of blood by constricting the blood vessels. Alcohol moves rich red blood cells away from the heart. Limiting your consumption of both will have an impact on your blood pressure.

Decrease Salt Intake

• Americans have too much sodium (salt) in their diets. Seventy-five percent of that salt comes in the form of processed foods. Eating food that doesn't contain a lot of preservatives will help, but you can also cut down on the amount of salt you put on the food you make. Try substituting other spices that will give your food flavor without the salt content.