Tips for controlling your blood pressure
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High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means the blood is pushing too hard against the wall of the blood vessels. When your heart is under stress making your blood pressure high, your health is at risk! If blood pressure stays the outcome may be a heart attack, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and eye problems. The good news is there are ways you can help control the high blood pressure.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Remember, high blood pressure has little to no symptoms and can cause harm to the body. If you check your own blood pressure at home, record the reading in a journal and let your physician know if it is too high or too low. If you are on blood pressure medicine, follow the medication’s directions and don’t stop taking it until you discuss the concern with your physician.
Try not to smoke. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but smoking damages blood vessels which then effects blood pressure. If you are a smoker, speak to your physician about stopping.
Read labels when you buy food. Stay away from foods high in carbohydrates, fats and sodium. These can narrow blood vessels increasing blood pressure increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A great resource is ChooseMyPlate for healthy dietary guidelines.
Reduce the stress in your life. Again, this may be “easier said than done” but if you can manage your stress, you will feel much better and lower your blood pressure. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise, take just a few minutes for yourself every day, and try a Mindfulness class from MSU Extension to manage blood pressure.
Alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you are having problems reducing the amount you drink talk to your physician. They may suggest a program that will work for you. In general, women may have one drink which is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. Men may have two drinks per day but this is only with physician approval.
