Tips to Control High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (HBP) is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems.

"Blood pressure" is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.

If ones blood pressure is high, it needs to be lowered and kept under control. BP has 2 numbers. One or both of these numbers can be too high.

The top number is called the systolic blood pressure. This reading is too high if it is 140 or higher.

The bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure. It is too high if it is 90 or higher.

It is more likely to have high blood pressure as one gets older. This is because your blood vessels become stiffer as age. When that happens, blood pressure goes up. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death.

Here are the Tips to Help You Control Your High Blood Pressure.

Weight loss

Weight loss can also make your blood pressure medication more effective. Losing weight can be particularly effective if your weight is outside of the range that’s considered healthy

Limit Salt

Limit the amount of sodium (salt) you eat. Aim for less than 1,500 mg per day. Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can reduce blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg.

Use spices and herbs instead of salt to season the food you prepare at home.

Eat Healthy Diet

Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 mm Hg. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Include potassium and fiber, and drink plenty of water. Stay at a healthy body weight. Find a weight-loss program to help you, if you need it.

Exercise regularly

Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes a day of moderate aerobic exercise.

Reduce stress

Try to avoid things that cause you stress. 

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink

Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. In small amounts, it can potentially lower your blood pressure by 2 to 4 mm Hg. But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol

When to Call the Doctor

Call doctor if blood pressure goes well above the normal range.

Also call doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

·         Severe headache

·         Irregular heartbeat or pulse

·         Chest pain

·         Sweating, nausea, or vomiting

·         Shortness of breath

·         Dizziness or lightheadedness

·         Pain or tingling in the neck, jaw, shoulder, or arms

·         Numbness or weakness in your body

·         Fainting

·         Trouble seeing

·         Confusion

·         Difficulty speaking

·         Other side effects that you think might be from your medicine or your blood pressure