How to lower your blood pressure
There are very good reasons why high blood pressure is called the silent killer. Many times, hypertension doesn’t show up as a problem at all. Not for a long time. All the same, it is capable of causing strokes, damaging kidneys, bringing on heart attacks and much more.
Here are several quick tips on how to deal with high blood pressure. Remember, as always, these tips (and anything else on this site) are NOT a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to consult with a doctor / medical professional on all health related matters. See our disclaimer.
* Get regular checkups. If you have ever had a hypertension problem, even if your pressure has been somewhat above normal, ensure that you check your blood pressure periodically. In any case, it is an excellent idea to have regular medical checkups including blood pressure readings.
* Get accustomed to eating foods with low salt. This may seem quite difficult at first. But if you persist, you will soon discover that you actually prefer foods without salt!
If you must have salt in your food, add salt sparingly either when the meal is being cooked or at the table. But don’t do both — i.e., don’t add salt both while cooking and while eating. Salt definitely affects your blood pressure.
* If you just can’t get along without salt, try using one of the many salt substitutes available in the market. They contain lesser quantities of sodium chloride and higher amounts of potassium. By the way, rock salt, sea salt, natural salt, etc are not salt substitutes.
* Exercise regularly. Not just when you feel like it. Aerobic exercise that makes sustained demands on the heart will strengthen the heart. It cuts down the risk of coronary heart disease significantly. Researchers say that a brisk half an hour walk just three times a week can deliver these benefits.
In addition, exercise lowers blood pressure. It also lowers blood fat levels and so reduces risk of thrombosis.
The risk factors for many illnesses go up when blood pressure is above normal levels. That’s why it is critical to adopt lifestyle changes that can keep blood pressure within limits.
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