How to Prevent Hypertension

Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Any reading greater than 140/90 is considered high. It is much easier to prevent hypertension than it is to treat it once you have it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Walking Shoes
• Relaxation Tapes
• Notebooks
• Notebooks
• low-fat, high-fiber diet

1. Check your blood pressure and pulse regularly. See your doctor if they're high. The top blood pressure number should be less than 140. The bottom number should be less than 90. A normal resting heart rate (pulse) is between 66 and 82.

2. Lose weight if you are overweight. Many doctors think weight loss is the single most important nondrug treatment for prevention of hypertension.

3. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. It is OK to use salt in moderation, unless your doctor orders otherwise. Drinking red wine has been touted as good for the circulation, but only in moderation.

4. Exercise aerobically. It lowers blood pressure and prevents hypertension.

5. Quit smoking. Hypertension and smoking significantly increase your risk of stroke.

6. Reduce your stress. When you feel stressed, your arteries and veins constrict, which is detrimental to your health.

7. Know your family's health history. If you have close relatives with hypertension, you are more likely to suffer from this disease. You will need to be even more diligent in checking your blood pressure.

8. Check your cholesterol once a year. High blood cholesterol can narrow arteries and make you more prone to hypertension.

9. Keep a journal of your cholesterol, blood pressure and pulse.

Tips & Warnings

• To hear recorded educational messages about hypertension, call (800) 575-WELL toll-free.
• Ideally, your blood pressure should be 120/80.
• Some research has shown that taking one aspirin a day can be beneficial to the health of your heart and blood vessels. Check with your doctor before starting a once-a-day aspirin regimen. Coated aspirin will be gentler on your stomach.
• Ignoring hypertension can lead to stroke and kidney failure. When it comes to high blood pressure, not knowing you have it can prove deadly.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[luckycharms]

on 2/6/2009 great advice...

on 11/22/2005 Although science warns of exceeding two drinks per day, science now tells us that one to two drinks a day lower blood pressure. Red wine is recommended for the anticoagulant effects of its resveratrol, but beer, wine, and spirits are equally of value in lowering blood pressure if used in the indicated amounts.

on 11/22/2005 Sorry I wrote earlier and said that beet juice is exc. for this and I forgot about the carrot juice...1/3 bt. juice to 2/3 carrot j., I have hi bld. press. and I used this before and it was amazing

on 11/22/2005 Eating celery or celery seeds you buy at supermarket is said to be very good in your food or as an infusion.