How to Heal Hypertension

A person who has hypertension suffers from high blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure reading higher than 140/90. Hypertension can be a "silent" disease, as it often displays no symptoms. Risk factors of hypertension include stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. You can work with your doctor to heal hypertension with medication. In addition, lifestyle changes can be made to treat or reduce symptoms of high blood pressure.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor to receive hypertension medication. There are many prescription medication options available. Common medications prescribed include antihypertensives, diuretics, beta blockers, sympathetic nerve inhibitors, vasodilators, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and calcium antagonists. Sometimes you will need to try a combination of medications to find out which is right for you.

• 2

  Monitor your blood pressure at home on a regular basis. Blood pressure monitors can be found in most pharmacies. Try to take your blood pressure around the same time every day and log it. Home monitoring can also rule out white-coat hypertension, which is blood pressure that is higher at a doctor's office.

• 3

  Exercise on a regular basis, preferably daily. Cardiovascular exercise is especially helpful for heart health. Try to get five hours of exercise per week, under your doctor's supervision. Aim for a healthy weight, as being overweight can cause more strain on the cardiovascular system, worsening hypertension.

• 4

  Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet plan, which includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean meats. The American Heart Association provides a free guideline (see Resources).

• 5

  Reduce your sodium intake. The American Heart Association recommends less than 2,300 milligrams of salt per day. African-Americans, middle-aged, older adults and people already diagnosed with hypertension should limit sodium to less than 1,500 milligrams per day.

• 6

  Give up cigarettes and reduce alcohol intake. Smoking causes an increase in blood pressure for at least an hour after the cigarette. A person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes per day would constantly be in the danger zone. Men should limit alcohol intake to two drinks per day. Women should limit alcohol intake to one drink per day.