How to control your blood pressure

Controlling your blood pressure is very important especially if you have hypertension. Becoming an active participant in your health care management will help you maintain acceptable blood pressure readings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Blood pressure cuff
• Blood pressure log book
• Good walking shoes

1. Monitor your blood pressure What exactly is high blood pressure or hypertension? It has been defined as a blood pressure greater than 140/90 in the past and now thoughts are that blood pressure should be less than 130/80 especially in those with diabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol
2. Electronic BP cuff Whether you use a regular blood pressure monitor or an electronic monitor which you can buy at a store regular monitoring of your blood pressure is necessary when you have hypertension. Write the numbers down in your own blood pressure log and take it with you to your doctor's visits
3. Walking is great for your blood pressure You can take some steps to lower your blood pressure before medication is started. Such as getting lots of exercise-at least 30-40 minutes 3-4 times weekly
4. Watching your diet helps Watching your diet will help you lose weight and also help to lower your blood pressure
5. Don't smoke Don't forget to not smoke or either stop smoking if you do smoke. Cigarettes cause your blood vessels to tighten and therefore raises your blood pressure
6. Lower your salt intake Cutting down on your salt intake also helps lower your blood pressure
7. Always take your medications as directed If you are started on medication for your hypertension don't forget to take it daily faithfully
8. Make your regular doctor visits Don't forget your regular visits with your doctor-make it a priority

Tips & Warnings

• Don't ignore high blood pressure readings-have them addressed by your doctor
• There is a connection between high blood pressure and heart disease
• There are many different classes of anti-hypertensives or medications
• to control your blood pressure-all of which will not cause side effects in everyone
• Be careful of over-the-counter medications when you have hypertension especially cough and cold medications. Some can raise your blood pressure
• Severe persistent headache with nausea vomiting or blurred vision should be evaluated by your doctor if you have high blood pressure