High blood pressure, or hypertension, can by caused by factors such as too much sodium, inactivity, stress, family history or age. The National Institutes of Health define hypertension as having a systolic pressure greater than 140 mmHg and a diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg. Chronic hypertension causes overexertion of the heart, and may damage the arteries, brain, kidneys and eyes, leading to renal failure, stroke or heart failure.
Exercise
Thirty minutes of physical activity on most days can help reduce hypertension, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI. Exercise not only strengthens the heart and lowers high blood pressure, but also helps to maintain and achieve a healthy weight, and may reduce plaque buildup in the arteries. A physician should be consulted prior to beginning a new exercise routine.
DASH diet
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, promotes a diet rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium and fiber. The plan promotes the consumption of foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol and total fat, and increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Red meat and foods containing added sugars are discouraged. The DASH daily total of sodium is not to exceed 1,500 mg for those individuals who already have hypertension.
Medications
Diuretics are medications that act to removes excess fluids and salt from the body in order to reduce hypertension. Beta blockers slow the heartbeat, pumping less blood through the vessels and lowering high blood pressure. Widening the blood vessels and lowering blood pressure is the action of medications such as angiotensin converting enzymes, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers and vasodilators.
