How Do I Lower My Blood Pressure?

As I wrote inmy last blog post, the AHA/ACC earlier this week released new guidelines for the management of hypertension (HTN or blood pressure). The biggest change to these guidelines is the new definition of high blood pressure...Now anyone with a blood pressure> 130/80 is classified as having Stage 1 HTNAnyone with a blood pressure> 140/90 is classified as having Stage 2 HTNThe treatment recommendations have also been changed...Stage 1 HTN with increased cardiac risk should be treated medically to BP< 130/80 + adopt aggressive life style modifications known to lower BPStage 1 HTN with no increased cardiac risk should adopt aggressive life style modifications known to lower BPStage 2 HTN should be treated medically + adopt aggressive life style modifications known to lower BPSo, what are some of the known life sytle modifications we can adopt that are known to lower BPEat a low salt diet or specifically follow theDASH Diet Lose weight Exercise (30-45min at least 3-5x week)Decrease alcohol intake (no more than 2 glasses/day for men and 1 glass/day for women)Avoid supplements known to raise BP (ephedra, St John ' s wort)Avoid medications known to raise BP (amphetamines, decongestants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Advil and Celebrex), and prednisoneAs with any of my recommendations, I suggest you discuss you BP/diet/medications with your physician
Source: Dr Portnay - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: blogs