Quick Way to Lower Blood Pressure

One out of three people in the United States suffers from high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke or death. High blood pressure can be treated, so it is imperative to be checked on a regular basis.

Diet

• The American Heart Association suggests that you limit the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet and increase your consumption of low-fat dairy products, vegetables and fruits. The goal is to create a healthy diet that is rich in protein, calcium, potassium and magnesium while limiting the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat that you eat. People who are overweight tend to have high blood pressure, so avoiding excess calories is important. One way to do this is to stop drinking alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and can cause weight gain.

Physical Activity

• It is crucial for people with high blood pressure to get regular exercise. To lose weight and regulate blood pressure, you need to increase your heart rate and burn calories. Start to include more physical activity in your daily life. Activities such as walking, jogging, swimming and bike riding are good exercises. The goal is to raise your heart rate for a period of 20 to 30 consecutive minutes each day. This will help the body burn calories and strengthen the heart.

Medicine

• To help regulate blood pressure, it may be necessary to take prescribed medication. Antihypertensives are commonly used to lower blood pressure. Some medications act as diuretics to rid the body of excess fluids and salt through urination. In some cases, beta blockers are recommended. This is medication that reduces the volume of blood being processed to lower the heart rate. There is a large choice of blood pressure medicines in the market. The one that works for you is largely dependent on how your body reacts to it. It may be necessary to try different medications to find the right one. You should take medication only after visiting your physician, who can prescribe the right type of medication for you and monitor your usage and your body's response.