Changes You Can Make to Manage High Blood Pressure =
Fighting back against the “silent killer”
High blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) is a symptomless “silent killer” that quietly damages blood vessels and leads to serious health problems.
While there is no cure, using medications as prescribed and making lifestyle changes can enhance your quality of life and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and more.
The Causes of High Blood Pressure
The causes of hypertension are varied, but are grouped into two general conditions. Often, a clear cause is never determined, with the condition developing gradually over time, even many years. This condition is referred to as ‘essential hypertension’ or ‘primary hypertension’. Our list of home remedies for high blood pressure can help treat both causes.
Secondary hypertension
For others, high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition such as sleep apnea, kidney disorders, adrenal disorders, thyroid problems, congenital vascular disorders, chronic alcohol abuse, and medications.
This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly. Secondary hypertension tends to result in higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension, but can also be managed easier by resolving the underlying condition or lifestyle changes.
Make changes that matter:
- Eat a well-balanced diet that's low in salt
- Limit alcohol
- Enjoy regular physical activity
- Manage stress
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Take your medications properly
- Work together with your doctor
Lifestyle Choices Influence Blood Pressure=
High blood pressure is also more common among African-Americans, often developing at an earlier age than it does in whites. High blood pressure also tends to run in families, so it is important to consider your parents’ health history when considering your risk.
Sedentary people tend to have higher resting heart rates. Higher heart rates mean the heart must work harder with each contraction, resulting in more force in the arteries.
Specific choices that affect cardiovascular health
None of the home remedies for high blood pressure will be as effective as eliminating your choices that affect your blood pressure. For example, smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raises your blood pressure. While the increase is often temporary, it can still permanently damage the lining of your artery walls. The damage can result in more narrow arteries, which increases blood pressure.
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