How to Prevent High Blood Pressure
Posted on October 7, 2008
According to the American Heart Association, about 1 in 3 Americans has high blood pressure. Because there are no symptoms for high blood pressure, they also estimate that 1/3 of these people don’t know they have it.
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked.
Research shows that lowering blood pressure by just 2 mm Hg reduces deaths from stroke by 6% and heart disease by 4%. Lowering high blood pressure also can reduce the progression of dementia and cognitive impairment, which are more common in people with high blood pressure.1
Here are some things you can do to prevent/reduce high blood pressure:
“Effective prevention strategies include lifestyle changes.”2
–Get Regular Physical Activity
–Acheive Modest Weight Loss (for overweight or obese)
–Manage Stress
–Quit Smoking
–Reduce Sodium and Alcohol Consumption
Living a healthier lifestyle will help prevent high blood pressure and other chronic diseases.
Get your blood pressure checked. It’s a good thing to know.
More info from the American Heart Association here.
- William D. McArdle et al., Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance, 6th ed (Baltimore: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2007): 326. [↩]
- Ibid., 327. [↩]
» Filed Under Blood Pressure, Prevention
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7 Responses to “How to Prevent High Blood Pressure”
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“Living a healthier lifestyle will help prevent high blood pressure and other chronic diseases.” Yes! Nice post Blake!
M’s last blog post..Yoga and Basil: A Common Thread
Excellent recommendations. I followed these and no longer need BP meds. If it does not prevent it, it helps tremendously in the treatment.
Don’t assume though. As you know BP is the “silent killer”. Keep that BP checked.
Mindful meditation has worked wonders for my stress levels.
I also have a client who swears by a personal biofeedback machine for reducing his stress - I tried it and it’s like doing mindfulness meditation, except you have this little beeping, flashing machine helping you quiet your mind.
DR’s last blog post..Say Goodbye To Lower Back Pain with Band Training
I started a moderate cardio program due to high B. P. It was 140/90. Since then, I stay a consistent 110/70 and have for years. My father had the same experience and the same results!
Dr. J’s last blog post..Nibbles: Americans should get more exercise, the fat that stalls hunger and NFL players fighting childhood obesity
[…] The Fight For Fitness presents this post on How to Prevent High Blood Pressure. […]
Also, keep in mind, cutting down on fat and calories combined with regular physical activity can help you lose more weight and keep it off longer than either way by itself.
it is necessary to add that it is recommended to restrict the consumption of red meat - 500 g a week