High Blood Pressure: 6 Things That Could Save Your Life

High Blood Pressure is aptly known as a ‘silent killer.’ The primary reason for this is that you might see little or no symptoms initially, but it may lead to fatal diseases like a heart attack or a stroke. However, introducing small changes in your daily regimen can make a big difference in your BP levels.

High Blood Pressure is a condition in which the force that your blood exerts on your artery walls is above the normal range of 140/90. Even though the cause of this common disease is not very specific, many factors like obesity, smoking, cholesterol, and high-salt food can contribute to it early on.

Things that would keep BP levels in control

1. Know your blood pressure levels

   Most people with high BP target to keep their levels below 130/80 mm Hg. This level can be regularized, and a personal target blood pressure level can be set after consulting your doctor.

2. Visit a physician

   For High blood pressure treatment and for monitoring its levels regularly, you need to consult a physician. They can advise you with lifestyle tips and medications, if required, to keep your blood pressure levels managed and well within limits.

3. Follow your medication regularly

   High blood pressure is a lifestyle disease, and for most people, simply improving their daily routine can start showing them the results they want. However, there may be cases where a patient needs medication to lower blood pressure. In such a situation, the patient needs to take them as prescribed by the doctor without cutting down or skipping doses.

4. Read the labels before you buy the products

   Your daily intake of sodium should not exceed 1500 mg. However, people unknowingly end up buying products that contain high sodium levels, which in turn increases their blood pressure levels. Hence, it is essential to read the labels carefully before putting them in your shopping basket. In addition, avoiding bread and rolls, pizza, soup, poultry items, and sandwiches can considerably help you keep your sodium levels under control.

5. Follow a blood pressure-friendly diet

   Eating healthy is not sufficient to control high BP; eating correctly is what you must concentrate on. Follow the DASH diet, which is inclusive of potassium, magnesium, and calcium-rich food. These nutrients keep your blood pressure levels well within limits. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat.

6. Avoid stress

   Stress hormones are directly responsible for constricting your blood vessels. They are the ultimate cause of spiking your BP levels. Additionally, over time, stress can put your cardiovascular health at high risk. To monitor and control your stress levels, switch to meditation, or listen to some calm music. Also, appreciating little things in life, taking out some me-time to relax and recuperate, and setting achievable goals for yourself can keep stress at bay and lead to a healthy way of life.

Final take

Eating healthy, staying fit, exercising regularly, and taking your medicines on time are the basic mantras that protect your health and keep your BP in control. Precautions are always better than cures. Make healthier life choices and visit your physician regularly for a blood-pressure check. Please keep it in control; you will thank yourself later.

Note of caution: This article is for information purposes only. Always consult your doctor before altering any diet plans, medications or in case of any other blood pressure-related troubles.