Show Lifestyle Changes Can Help Keep Blood Pressure DownHypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Since last fall, when the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology lowered the definition of high blood pressure from 140/90 mm/Hg to 130/80 mm/Hg, more people than ever are now diagnosed with hypertension. We asked clinicians from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s CardioVascular Institute how they advise their patients to keep blood pressure under control. While medication is the right solution for some people, the good news is that lifestyle changes can help reduce — and in some cases replace — the amount of medication needed. It’s a good place to start. More about High Blood Pressure 1. Lose 10 PoundsAarti Asnani, MD, Associate Director, Cardio-Oncology 2. Keep a Food DiaryAnne-Marie Anagnostopoulos, MD, FACC, General Cardiology 3. Exercise: Every Bit HelpsMark Benson, MD, PhD, Director, Cardiovascular Prevention 4. Monitor Blood Pressure at HomeBrett Carroll, MD, Director, Vascular Medicine More: Know Your Numbers 5. Learn to Read Food Labels & Check Serving SizesLarissa Engleman, NP, Cardiovascular Medicine 6. Be Aware of Additional Risk FactorsAndy Lee, MD, Vascular Surgery 7. Reduce StressShweta Motiwala, MD, Advanced Heart Failure Program 8. Quit SmokingIan McCormick, MD, CVI at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham 9. Cut Back on Salt & Add PotassiumJordan Strom, MD, General Cardiology More: Recipes for Potassium-Rich Sweet Potatoes 10. Don’t Overdo AlcoholHector Tamez, MD, Interventional Cardiology 11. Communicate with Your DoctorJill Whelan, MD, CVI at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth Subscribe to Heartmail Can drinking water lower blood pressure?Something as simple as keeping yourself hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water every day improves blood pressure. Water makes up 73% of the human heart,¹ so no other liquid is better at controlling blood pressure.
How can I lower my blood pressure in 5 minutes?If your blood pressure is elevated and you want to see an immediate change, lie down and take deep breaths. This is how you lower your blood pressure within minutes, helping to slow your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. When you feel stress, hormones are released that constrict your blood vessels.
Can high blood pressure be cured naturally?There is no cure for high blood pressure. But treatment can lower blood pressure that is too high. If it is mild, high blood pressure may sometimes be brought under control by making changes to a healthier lifestyle.
What is the fastest way to lower blood pressure?The fastest ways to safely lower blood pressure include:. Practicing breathing exercises that slow your heart rate and promote relaxation.. Lying down and resting for 10 minutes.. Eating a healthy diet.. Losing weight (if needed). Doing regular exercise.. Limiting alcohol.. Stopping smoking.. Taking your medication as directed.. |