Dealing with elevated blood pressure is extremely important if you want to enjoy a health and long life. While everyone experiences short periods in which stress or other circumstance may result in temporarily high blood pressure, the development of an ongoing problem with blood pressure levels should not be regarded as a minor issue. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to moderate your blood pressure numbers and minimize the risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
One of the first things to do is talk with your doctor about your elevated blood pressure. A trained physician will often discover the problem during a checkup or office visit for some ache or pain you are experiencing. When your blood pressure readings are determined to be outside a safe range, talking with your doctor about lifestyle changes and possibly prescription medication to control the condition is very important. Always be truthful regarding your lifestyle, as this will help the doctor provide more specific instructions in what types of changes must occur in order to bring the elevated blood pressure under control.
Several basic lifestyle changes will make a positive difference in your blood pressure levels. If you smoke or use any type of tobacco product, quit immediately. Your physician can provide you with medication to help minimize the cravings and anxiety that often take place during those first critical weeks. Keep in mind that once your body adjusts to the lack of nicotine, you will actually begin to feel stronger physically and emotionally.
Along with getting rid of tobacco products, taking steps to improve your physical condition will also help to alleviate elevated blood pressure. This means changing your diet so you consume more lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other foods that are low in fats. Limiting caffeine and alcohol will also help with your blood pressure. By eliminating certain foods and increasing your intake of others, your body will receive more of the vitamins and nutrients necessary to regulate blood pressure and leave you feeling more energized.
For people that are overweight, a healthier diet will make it easier to take off the excess pounds and lower your numbers significantly. Don’t forget to exercise regularly, at least two to three times per week for thirty minutes each session. Even activities like a thirty-minute walk in the evenings can make a huge difference. If you are not sure how to design an exercise program that is right for your current level of health, ask your doctor for a referral to a professional who can assess your condition and help you get started with the right type of plan.
One final strategy for dealing with elevated blood pressure is learning to manage stress. When possible, eliminate the sources of stress altogether. For all other situations, learn to use coping tools that help to minimize the negative impact of stress on your blood pressure. Use music, meditation, aromatherapy, or any other method that helps you to relax and enjoy a short respite from life’s problems. With the right combination of diet, exercise, stress management, and medication, it is possible to deal with elevated blood pressure effectively, and add years of enjoyment to your life.
