Blood Pressure Lowering Strategies

Hypertension, or as it is more commonly known, high blood pressure may cause considerable detriment to vital body systems. These adverse effects may include, but are not limited to, coronary disease, myocardial infarction, renal failure and stroke. Therefore it is imperative for your physician to closely monitor your higher pressure at a minimum of once yearly. It is especially important to discuss with your primary care physician any genetic predisposition to, or family history of hypertension.

Hypertension affects a broad range of individuals across all strata of the general population. Because slightly or moderately higher pressure usually has no significant symptoms it may go undiagnosed for quite some time. Thus the necessity of regular blood pressure screening by a health care practitioner. Because hypertension can impact the body so dramatically it is wise to keep yourself well informed about its prevention long before you may even be diagnosed with high pressure or hypertension. Being sufficiently armed with the knowledge of how hypertension is acquired and how it is managed will give you a strong arsenal with which to prevent its occurrence or to fight its effects.

Five Key Strategies for Managing Hypertension:

A consistent blood pressure reading of 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic is considered high. Although persistent hypertension brings with it serious risk of debilitating illness it is possible to effectively manage it. It is worthwhile to examine the following five key strategies for managing hypertension and recapturing a healthy lifestyle.

1. Smoking Cessation - The nicotine inhaled by smoking or other tobacco use causes high blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. Smoking cessation and/or restriction of other tobacco usage has been proven to significantly alleviate hypertension.

2. Weight Loss - A healthy weight loss diet along with a regular regimen of low intensity physical exercise effectively control blood pressure in most cases. This approach not only reduces the stores of excess fat in your body but contribute to a richer, more fulfilling lifestyle.

3. Decrease Sodium Consumption - A diet high in sodium increases blood pressure. It follows logically that decreasing your sodium consumption can aid in the control of hypertension. Avoid salty snacks and foods with high sodium content. When grocery shopping be sure to compare sodium content on product labels.

4. Limit Use of Alcohol - Alcohol has also been shown to raise blood pressure. Lowering alcohol consumption or abstaining from its use totally contributes greatly to healthy pressure.

5. Lighten Up! - The stress of everyday life, as well as environmental stress such as noise or intense light can have a negative impact on blood pressure. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, biofeedback and muscle relaxation counteract those negative effects. Simply affording your self a period of isolated quietude can also have a positive effect on blood pressure.

The above strategies are effective in most cases. However, if your hypertension persists your physician may need to prescribe an appropriate medication. Discuss the proper use and possible side effects of any medication with your physician.