High blood pressure can happen for a number of different reasons. It may be the result of a stressful job, excess weight or even family medical history. Regardless of the cause, reducing high blood pressure should be a number one priority. If high blood pressure goes untreated, it can lead to stroke and heart disease. While you may feel perfectly healthy with high blood pressure, remember that it is called a "silent killer" for a reason. That's why you must take steps to reduce your high blood pressure, even if you feel perfectly fine.
Instructions
1. Eliminate stress. Everyone has heard of people's faces going red when they get angry. This is caused by the blood pressure rising. If you find that you have a stressful life, take steps necessary to reduce or eliminate the stress. It may require finding another job, seeking marriage counseling or even finding a hobby that helps reduce stress.
2. Exercise. Exercise is a healthy habit, especially if you have high blood pressure. If you haven't exercised in a while, you will need to start out slowly and then work your way up. Start out with 15 minutes of walking each day, and then work your way up to an hour. You may also want to try lifting weights or a more entertaining form of exercise, such as tennis or soccer.
3. Reduce sodium intake. Some people are sodium sensitive, which means that their blood pressure increases when they eat foods high in sodium. Keep a food journal, write down how much sodium you eat on a normal day, and then try to reduce it. The daily recommended amount of sodium is 2,300 mg, but many Americans eat much more than that. If you find that you're one of those people, try to reduce sodium intake to 2,300 mg.
4. Check medication labels. Some OTC medications, especially cold and flu medicines, aren't good for those with high blood pressure. Before taking a medication, be sure to read the label. Switching to different kinds of medication can help reduce your blood pressure.
5. Lose weight. Excess weight is the cause of many medical problems, especially high blood pressure. Your body has to work much harder when you carry extra weight. By losing those extra pounds, you decrease the workload and may be able to reduce your blood pressure. Of course, it all depends on family medical history.
6. Research family medical history. The steps listed above are a great starting point and are essential for a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, there are times when your family's medical history will cause you to have high blood pressure that isn't completely controllable through natural methods. Researching your family's medical history will make it easier when consulting your doctor about reducing your blood pressure.
7. Consult a doctor for medication. Sometimes, medication is the only way to reduce high blood pressure. Depending on the severity of your blood pressure, your doctor will probably start you out on a simple water pill. Explain to your doctor that you have been making changes to live a healthier lifestyle, and also explain your family's medical history. This will help ensure that your high blood pressure is treated properly.
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