How to Control High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most common medical conditions among adults today. It can be caused by a variety of factors from age to lifestyle to family, but controlling it is manageable. Controlling high blood pressure can allow you to live a more active and healthier life. Follow these tips for controlling your high blood pressure.

Instructions

• 1

  Listen to your doctor. Follow all instructions that your doctor gives you in regards to lowering and controlling your stress level. Make appointments for checkups with your doctor regularly, and use these appointments as an opportunity to track your progress and make changes to your regimen, if necessary.

• 2

  Take all medication as directed. There are many different types of prescription medication designed to help you keep your blood pressure under control, and you and you doctor can decide if adding one of these medications to your daily routine will be beneficial. If so, take the medication daily as instructed. Do not stop taking it, and keep track of your prescription refills to avoid running out.

• 3

  Exercise regularly. Living an active lifestyle is one of the biggest steps towards lowering high blood pressure, and even if you have limited time or physical mobility, there are a variety of exercises and activities that can keep you fit and moving and help your heart function properly. Discuss exercise options with your doctor, or consult a local hospital or health center for ideas.

• 4

  Eat properly. Remain committed to monitoring your salt and alcohol intake, and eat plenty of healthy foods. Learn about saturated fats and unsaturated fats and foods that are high in sodium and preservatives. If you find that you are having trouble controlling cravings or eating properly, ask your doctor for a referral to a dietician or nutritionist that can help you.

• 5

  Maintain a healthy weight. Your doctor can help you determine what a healthy weight for your height, build and age should be. Use this weight as your target, and make it a goal to get there and stay there.

• 6

  Take it easy. Avoiding stress and lowering daily stress levels can play a large role in lowering blood pressure and keeping it at a consistent level. It is possible to lower your individual stress levels simply by making a few basic lifestyle changes. If you are employed in a high-stress job, consider an occupational change or lowering the number of hours you work a week. Try some alternative options, such as yoga, to help offset the daily stress inflicted by your job and family commitments.

• 7

  Stay committed. Once you have begun to see results and your blood pressure is under control, continue to do the things you have been doing in order to lower it. Only your commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle can keep your blood pressure controlled and your heart healthy.