What Actually Works Best to Lower Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure carries many life-threatening risks, including stroke and heart attack. Prevent long-term effects of blood pressure by getting checked regularly by a physician. There are many treatments that work best for lowering blood pressure, most often involving dietary and lifestyle changes.

Medication

• For some, medication is necessary to lower blood pressure to healthier levels while the individual works on fitness and diet changes. One medication used to lower blood pressure is beta blockers. These medications open up the blood vessels, reducing the strain on the heart to pump blood to the body. Thiazide diuretics, or water pills, assist your kidneys in removing excess water and sodium from the body, lowering blood pressure and volume.

Lifestyle

• Changing lifestyle habits may help you control and lower blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many individuals are put on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH diet, which encourages eating an abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits, low-fat foods and whole grains. Limiting fat and saturated fat may have an impact on blood pressure levels.

  One of the best ways to lower blood pressure is to limit sodium intake. The recommended daily amount is 2,400 milligrams; however, 1,500 mg per day is recommended to drastically lower blood pressure. Look for hidden sodium in processed, frozen and canned foods.

  Keep weight down to reduce blood pressure levels. Losing any amount of weight has benefits on blood pressure, so stay within healthy ranges depending on your gender and height. Get 30 minutes of cardio activity each day of the week to lower blood pressure levels and maintain heart health.

Alternative Medicines

• According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise and diet are the best ways to lower blood pressure; however, there are alternative medicines that may also help to lower it slightly while making lifestyle changes. Garlic has long been known to be heart-healthy, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Take garlic supplements found in retail or health food stores regularly or incorporate fresh garlic into meals throughout the day.

  Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for the heart, especially for those who have cardiovascular disease or are at risk of getting it, according to the American Heart Association. Eat fish like salmon, albacore tuna or lake trout at least twice a week for health benefits. If you do not like fish, you may also take an omega-3 supplement each day to reduce heart disease or related ailments.