How to Control Blood Pressure in HIV/AIDS

Although physicians are not sure whether it is caused by HIV medications or other factors, the AIDS virus often leads to high blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure under control if you have HIV is an important part of improving your prognosis. Doctors advise HIV-positive patients to make the same lifestyle changes that are recommended to anyone at risk for heart disease, according to Tufts Medical School. By understanding how to control your blood pressure, you can greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Instructions

Controlling High Blood Pressure

• 1

  Adjust the way you eat to help control your blood pressure. Eat nutritious foods and avoid heavily-processed foods, which can be high in sodium. A well-balanced diet is important for preventing high blood pressure and keeping your immune system strong to fight HIV. Reduce salt and fat intake. Increase the amount of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains in your diet. Substitute whole milk and high-fat dairy products with low-fat equivalents.

• 2

  Develop a plan for regular exercise. Daily exercise lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress. Try to plan 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day to lower blood pressure and strengthen your heart. Consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine. Ask your doctor if you need to check your blood pressure at home, especially before or after exercise.

• 3

  Stop smoking and moderate your alcohol use. Smoking damages the entire circulatory system and robs the blood of oxygen, forcing your heart to work harder. It increases blood pressure and dramatically increases the risk of heart attack. Alcohol intake also raises your blood pressure. Decrease alcohol intake to one drink per day or less. Ask your doctor to help you find support if you are having trouble quitting smoking or cutting down on alcohol.

• 4

  Get checked for kidney problems. As many as 30 percent of HIV patients might have kidney disease, according to AIDS InfoNet.org. Also, resistance to insulin is a common side effect of HIV medications, leading to diabetes, according to Tufts Medical School. Develop a plan with your doctor to monitor kidney function. Ask your doctor if you need additional medications to control diabetes, as diabetes is a major factor in developing high blood pressure and heart disease.