More than 100 million Americans have high blood pressure, according to the latest statistics from the American Heart Association. That’s nearly half of all adults in the United States. And anyone with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has a greater risk for heart disease and stroke.
Even when a person’s blood pressure is dangerously high, there are usually no signs or symptoms with hypertension. That’s the reason it’s so important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis by your doctor. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of your blood on the walls of your arteries. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or below. The first number refers to the pressure when the heart is beating; the second number measures the pressure when the heart is at rest.
If you have high blood pressure, here are eight actions you can take to lower it:
- Lose weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Reduce sodium in your diet
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Quit smoking
- Cut back on caffeine
- Reduce your stress
If these lifestyle changes don’t work, talk to your doctor, who may recommend that you take a medication to lower your blood pressure.
Sources: American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic