Managing Hypertension - 5 Steps to Save Your Life

Hypertension or high blood pressure is an alarming epidemic that is claiming the lives of many Americans. Medically defined as a cardiovascular condition, if untreated, it leads to more sever complications and potential death. What Americans should know it that managing hypertension is not difficult and you can claim your life back.

Americans live with high blood pressure for many years before detection. Mostly detected and diagnosed during regular physical checkups, physicians begin providing treatment immediately. The physicians generally prescribe medications to help reduce the blood pressure levels.

More so, a panel of health and wellness experts will suggest additional ways to reduce the blood pressure measurements and control the progression of the disease. Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" that induces heart failure, kidney failure or stroke if not treated properly. It is important that you realize that medication is not the only recipe for controlling hypertension.

Simply adopting healthier life choices and habits will help you successfully beat this disease. All Americans need to commit to getting blood pressure levels checked regularly along with incorporating healthy lifestyle modifications into their daily routine.

Although medications are prescribed and are generally effective, the side effects can be quite annoying. Believe it or not, lifestyle changes will also reduce the presence of side effects. Start making these changes immediately and it is guaranteed that you and your physician will notice the difference in your next reading.

1. Losing Weight

Obesity is a major contributor to elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is very common in men (ages 20 to 44) and individuals over 45 who are obese. Obese people must loose weight in order to notice a reduction in blood pressure. Experts suggest incorporating a healthy eating plan in your daily lifestyle. The most recommended eating plan is or diet is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). This diet encourages the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low- fat dairy products.

2. Nutritional Value

Lowering sodium intake is vital to lowering blood pressure. Moderating the total daily intake of salt reduces the systolic blood pressure measurements by a significant number. Moderating alcohol intake and minimizing refined sugar consumption will also lower blood pressure. Increase the intake of potassium, calcium and magnesium by eating plenty of plant foods and omega-3 oils.

3. Physical Activity

Incorporate exercise in your daily routine. Designate 30 to 45 minutes a day for a daily walk; that's all it takes. Use a pedometer to estimate 10,000 steps which will help you loose weight and reduce the systolic number of the blood pressure levels.

4. Stress Management

Stress is extremely significant and it is a direct contributor to high blood pressure. Consider Anger Management courses if you experience chronic anger issues. Use 10 to 20 min of the day to relax or meditate. Listen to soft music, read, and/or walk or do whatever interests you to relieve yourself of stress.

5. Become Self Sufficient

Monitor the improvements and successes yourself. Purchase a reliable digital blood- pressure cuff; use it to monitor your blood pressure regularly and start managing hypertension at home.

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