Healthy lifestyle choices along with medication can help control high blood pressure.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a serious health risk that may lead to other conditions like a heart attack or stroke. Although there is no complete cure for high blood pressure, individuals can take several steps to control their hypertension.
Lifestyle
Smoking is a controllable risk factor for high blood pressure.
Lifestyle changes that can help reduce blood pressure include eating a healthy diet low in sodium, exercising regularly, reducing stress, quitting smoking and limiting the intake of alcohol, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Drug Therapy
When lifestyle changes alone cannot successfully control blood pressure, drug therapy can help. Medications used in treating high blood pressure include alpha and beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, central alpha agonists, diuretics, renin inhibitors and vasodilators, according to Medline Plus.
Considerations
Finding enjoyable exercises makes the process of staying healthy easier.
Even when a person is on prescription drugs to help manage blood pressure, it is important to still maintain an overall healthy lifestyle.
Identification
Every individual's blood pressure goals are slightly different, based on varying factors like age and health. An individual should work with her doctor to see what a healthy blood pressure goal is for her.
Warning
Before beginning a new diet or exercise plan, an individual should first speak to her doctor to find out if she is healthy enough to pursue her plan.
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