How to Manage Your High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has been described as a "silent killer." If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or heart or kidney failure. Recent studies have indicated that one in three American adults has high blood pressure. But because hypertension no symptoms, almost one third of these people do not even know that they have it. High blood pressure is known as a silent killer largely because a person can have high blood pressure without even knowing it for years. In this article you will learn how to manage your high blood pressure and lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor. The only way you can know if you do have high blood pressure is by having your physician check your blood pressure. Work with your doctor on setting blood pressure goals. Those goals will be based on individual risk factors.

• 2

  Lose some weight. In fact, losing ten pounds can reduce your blood pressure significantly. The general rule is more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure. Losing weight will also increase the effectiveness of any blood pressure medication you might be taking.

• 3

  Exercise on a regular basis. Regular physical activity can lower your blood pressure by four to nine millimeters of mercury. Your physician can help you develop an exercise program designed specifically for your needs and conditions. And he can if any exercise restrictions are necessary.

• 4

  Eat a more healthy diet. Studies show that eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products while laying off of saturated fats and cholesterol can lower blood pressure by as much as 14 millimeters of mercury. This diet is known as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet.

• 5

  Consume less sodium in your diet. Even the slightest reduction of sodium can lower one's blood pressure by two to eight millimeters of mercury. Greater cutbacks in your sodium intake can greater blood pressure reductions.

• 6

  Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption. If you smoke throughout the day, your blood pressure may remain consistently high. Drinking more than moderate amounts can raise one's blood pressure significantly. Alcohol may also reduce the effectiveness of any blood pressure medication you may be taking.

• 7

  If your doctor prescribes high blood pressure medication, take it faithfully and as directed. These drugs may include Alpha-blockers, ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors, Diuretics, Beta-blockers, Calcium channel blockers and Angiotensin receptor blockers among others. I take lisinopril, which is an ACE Inhibitor. Take the daily recommended dosage at the time recommended by your doctor.