What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of your arteries. A normal reading is below 120/80 mm Hg.
The top number, known as systolic pressure, measures the force when the heart beats, while the bottom number, diastolic pressure, reflects the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious health issues, including stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and vision loss.
“If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, lifestyle modifications are crucial.
Evaluate your diet, weight, and exercise habits,” advises Maria Elena Fraga, RD, CDCES, director of the Diabetes Alliance at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
Strategies to Improve Blood Pressure
Managing hypertension starts with improving your diet, but there are other key lifestyle changes that can help lower blood pressure, including:
– Engaging in regular physical activity, including this top-rated exercise for better blood pressure.
– Avoiding smoking.
– Practicing stress management techniques.
– Achieving a healthy weight, if weight loss is advised. Here’s how to start losing weight when you’re unsure where to begin.
– Ensuring adequate sleep—aim for seven to nine hours each night.
If lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough to maintain healthy blood pressure levels, medication may be necessary.
Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.