High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions of individuals and can lead to heart attack, stroke, blood clots and organ damage. Your doctor can measure your blood pressure to determine if it is too high. If the top number of blood pressure is between 121 and 139, and the bottom number is between 81 and 89, you are considered to have pre-hypertension. Stage one hypertension is 140 to 149 on top and 90 to 99 on bottom. Stage two hypertension (the most severe) is 160 or higher on top and 100 or more on bottom. Luckily, you can manage hypertension and take steps to lower your blood pressure.

Defining the Problem

Even if you've never had a problem with high blood pressure, have your blood pressure measure at least once a year. Up to 20 percent of individuals with hypertension are unaware that they even have the condition because they aren't having symptoms. You can't begin to manage a problem that you don't know exists. Also, see your doctor if you have any consistent symptoms of high blood pressure, such as dizziness, nose bleeds and headaches.

Diet and Lifestyle

The first step in managing high blood pressure is to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. This not only means cutting out salt but also reading the labels of foods you eat to see how much sodium is present. Aim for 1500 milligrams of sodium or less each day. Eat heart-healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat or nonfat dairy and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon and tuna are good sources of this). Besides sodium, also reduce saturated fats, cholesterol, and sugars. Limit alcohol (no more than one drink per day for women and two for men) and stop smoking if you are a smoker.

Exercise

Participate in aerobic exercise every day if possible. Aim for 30-minute sessions in which you work out your heart and lungs. These types of exercises include swimming, jogging, walking and sports in which you are moving most of the time. Exercising can help you to manage high blood pressure by keeping your weight within a healthy range and improving your cardiovascular health. Exercise also helps to decrease stress, which in turn can have a positive impact on your blood pressure.

Medication

You may have to take medication in addition to making lifestyle modifications. There are multiple categories of blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers, diuretics, renin inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. Your doctor may have to try different medications until your blood pressure begins to respond positively. Some individuals have to take one or more blood pressure medications daily for the rest of their lives, while others do so only until the problem is under control. Once medication has reduced your blood pressure, you may be able to keep it down with lifestyle modifications and possibly with a daily aspirin, if recommended by your doctor.

Source:

Mayo Clinic website

American Heart Association website