High blood pressure (hypertension) increases your risk for numerous health problems, including stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure is usually diagnosed when two separate blood pressure readings exceed 140/90. If your blood pressure is close to 140/90, your doctor may diagnose you with pre-hypertension. He may recommend diet and lifestyle changes, or starting a medication regimen. A healthy lifestyle is key for the prevention and management of high blood pressure.
Diet
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is recommended for the prevention and lowering of high blood pressure. The diet incorporates whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Red meats, sweets and fats are eaten in smaller amounts. This diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium but contains a rich amount of protein, fiber, magnesium, potassium and calcium.
Exercise
Exercise is an essential component for maintaining good health and regulating blood pressure. It is recommended that people exercise for at least 30 minutes three times per week. Cardiovascular exercise, such as the treadmill or elliptical trainer, will help to keep your heart healthy. Weight-bearing exercise is also recommended in conjunction with cardiovascular exercise.
Alcohol and Stress
It is advised to avoid or strictly limit the amount of alcohol that you consume. Alcohol is known to raise your blood pressure because it acts as a stimulant in the body. Stress can be a major contributor to hypertension. Relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation or taking a walk may help alleviate stress. Making sure that you get enough sleep may also help to keep blood pressure low.
Smoking
Cigarette smoke hardens the walls of your arteries. This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood through its stiffened arteries. Smoking also contributes to high blood pressure. Quitting your tobacco habit will help to lower your blood pressure. Speak to your physician if you are having difficulty quitting. Many resources and programs are available to help you quit.
Medications
Several different classifications of drugs are used to treat hypertension. Some of the more commonly used drugs are beta-blockers, ace inhibitors, angiotensen receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers and diuretics. Doctors often tailor drugs to the individual patient depending on the severity of the hypertension as well as any underlying illnesses or diseases. Many patients will need to be on a combination of more than one drug to achieve success. For example, a physician may start a patient out on a beta-blocker such as Atenolol with a diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide. A 2002 study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" found that a diuretic may be just as effective as the newer drugs at controlling hypertension. It may take some time to figure out which medication regimen will work the best for you.
