When your blood pressure is high and remains high, your heart is forced to work harder than necessary. This can lead to conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney damage. The Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that one in three adults suffer from high blood pressure. A number of treatments are available to help control and manage it, you simply need to remain diligent in your participation.
Lower Your Sodium
Sodium is an enemy to anyone who is diagnosed with high blood pressure. It forces your heart to work harder by causing fluid retention. Your treatment plan will depend solely on your personal condition and the severity of it. Your doctor may tell you that you simply need to cut down on your salt intake, or he may prefer that you eliminate it from your diet altogether. The American Heart Association recommends that those with high blood pressure limit their sodium intake to 1,500 mg or less per day.
Watch Your Diet
What you eat plays a large role in how high your blood pressure rises. An heart-healthy diet contains more whole-grains, fruits and vegetables, and less refined sugars and saturated fats. As reported by the American Heart Association, a diet high in fiber is not only low in calories but helps lower your cholesterol as well. To protect your health, try swapping fish for high-fat red meats at least twice a week.
Check Your Blood Pressure
Keeping a watchful eye on your blood pressure means regular monitoring to ensure no major fluctuations take place. This is accomplished by purchasing a home monitoring machine, which enables you to take your pressure yourself. The American Heart Association recommends a cuff that fits comfortably around your bicep; these are the most accurate.
Prior to taking your pressure, seat yourself in a supportive chair, with your arm placed on a flat surface. Once your arm is at heart level and you are perfectly still, start the machine. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages or smoking cigarettes 30 minutes before this process, as both can interfere with accuracy. Also, it is better to measure your pressure at the same time each day, or as recommended by your doctor.
Exercise Regularly
Because health and abilities vary, the amount and type of exercise each person can perform varies as well. Even 30 minutes of physical activity, performed most days of the week, can have a positive impact on your blood pressure after a few weeks. For people who have been sedentary for a long period of time, the effects may be even more profound. Before starting an exercise plan, it is imperative to speak to your doctor about a plan that is both safe and effective for you.
See Your Doctor Regularly
One of the most important aspects of managing your blood pressure and keeping it under control is visiting your doctor on a regular basis. It is the only way for her to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan and give you advice on how to better care for yourself as your condition progresses. Hypertension is a serious condition, and your doctor is your ally in your battle against it.
Take Your Medication
Aside from the lifestyle changes you make, your doctor may still choose to place you on medication to help lower your blood pressure. If this is the case, it is vital to take your medication as prescribed. In addition, if you begin to suffer any adverse effects, do not take matters into your own hands and discontinue the drug. Speak first to your doctor, adjustments may make the medication more tolerable for you.
