High blood pressure is a condition that puts you at risk for both short and long term disease risks. But the most serious risks include heart attack, stroke, poor vision, and kidney disease. Other than occasional headaches most people with high blood pressure are unaware of their problems. You may be told your blood pressure is “120 over 80.” The top number is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is contracting. The bottom number is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is relaxed.
To lower your blood pressure we advocate one or more of these strategies:
●Lose weight (if you are overweight)
●Choose a diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products
●Reduce the amount of salt you eat●
Do something active for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week●
Optimize hormones
●Reduce stress
●Normalize sleep
●Cut down on alcohol (if you drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day)
It’s also a good idea to get a home blood pressure meter. People who check their own blood pressure at home do better at keeping it low and can sometimes even reduce the amount of medicine they take.
