What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. A normal reading falls below 120/80 mm Hg.
The top number, systolic pressure, indicates the force when the heart beats, while the bottom number, diastolic pressure, reflects the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause major health problems such as stroke, heart attack, renal disease, and eyesight loss.
“If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, lifestyle changes are critical.
Evaluate your food, weight, and exercise habits, says Maria Elena Fraga, RD, CDCES, head of the Diabetes Alliance at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
Strategies for Improving Blood Pressure
Managing hypertension begins with optimising your nutrition, but there are other important lifestyle modifications that can help lower blood pressure, such as:
– Participating in regular physical activity, such as this top-rated workout for lower blood pressure.
– Avoiding smoking.
– Practicing stress-management skills.
– Achieving a healthy weight, if weight loss is recommended. Here’s how to get started losing weight when you’re not sure where to start.
– Getting enough sleep—aim for seven to nine hours every night.
If lifestyle changes are insufficient to maintain normal blood pressure levels, medication may be required.
For personalised advice, consult with your healthcare provider.
