Blood Pressure: Blood Pressure Risk Factors
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A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. If your upper (systolic) pressure is consistently 140 or higher, and your lower (diastolic) pressure is 90 or higher, you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
These risk factors may be the reasons leading to your hypertension:
• Overweight (often losing just ten pounds can help)
• Alcohol consumption
• African-American heritage (tend to be salt-sensitive)
• High-Sodium(salt)diet(10% to 15% of Americans are sensitive to salt)
• Family history of hypertension
• Smoking
• Too little calcium (e.g., nonfat dairy) and potassium (e.g., fruit and vegetables) in the diet
• Medications (some prescription and nonprescription drugs either raise blood pressure, or interfere with the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering drugs)
Be sure to consult your physician about risk factors that may cause your blood pressure to be abnormal.
Blood Pressure: Controlling Your Blood Pressure
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The best way to control high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly and follow your doctor’s treatment advice. The following ways are simple suggestions you can do to control your blood pressure.
DIET
• Decrease your sodium intake: Salts found in processed, canned, and most snack foods, can aggravate high blood pressure. Substitute lemon, herbs, and spices as food seasonings.
• Limit saturated fats: Avoid whole milk dairy products and fatty cuts of meat.
• Control your weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help control high blood pressure.
EXERCISE
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise will help control blood pressure by conditioning your heart and control your weight. Staying physically fit will lower your risks of developing high blood pressure.
MEDICATION
• Prescribed medication: If diet and exercise alone does not lower your high blood pressure then a doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure. Watch for side effects while on the medication and inform your doctor if any occur.
• Develop a routine: Combine taking your medication with everyday activities, such as mealtime or brushing your teeth so you will be less likely to forget.