How do I know if I have High Blood Pressure? If the top number is over 140, it means you have high blood pressure. If the bottom number is less than 90, you may have isolated systolic hypertension. The top number may be normal. If it’s higher than normal, you may have isolated diastolic hypertension. Taking blood pressure medication should be a last resort. If you’re worried about your blood pressure, consider a healthy diet instead.
Keeping track of blood pressure at home
If you want to keep track of your blood pressure at home, you’ll need to use a blood pressure monitor. Although the monitors are easy to use, you should also write down your readings to be sure you don’t miss a beat. The instructions recommend taking two to three readings, one minute apart. To keep your measurements accurate, write down the time, date, and how you felt at the time of each measurement.
In addition to recording your blood pressure at home, keeping a record of it will help you understand how well you’re treating your condition. If you’re taking medication, for example, you may need to increase the dose or monitor blood pressure more frequently. Record your blood pressure at home before going to a clinic to get your doctor’s advice on how often to check your blood pressure. This way, your doctor can make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
It’s also important to note that blood pressure changes throughout the day, so the information you collect at home may differ from what you report to them in the office. In fact, you may find your readings are five points lower than they were when you went in for a check-up. You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your readings. If you’re worried about losing your records, you can always upload your data to an online blood pressure monitor.
Medication for high blood pressure
While lifestyle changes are important, many people need medication for high blood pressure as well. This is because lifestyle changes may be sufficient to control blood pressure. However, if lifestyle changes do not control blood pressure, medication may be the most appropriate treatment. Several medications are available to control blood pressure, each with different benefits and risks. Before making a decision, ask your healthcare provider some key questions. Untreated high blood pressure can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Among the most common medications for hypertension are beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics. Beta-blockers and diuretics are relatively safe choices. However, the use of ACE inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during pregnancy is not recommended. These medications can have dangerous side effects for a growing fetus. While the above-mentioned medications are generally safe, they aren’t appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Aside from taking medications, you can also take supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements should be incorporated into your diet. However, be aware that taking these supplements can interfere with blood pressure medication and cause dangerous side effects. If you notice any of these side effects, consult your healthcare provider right away. In addition to medications, you should try relaxation techniques to reduce your stress and blood pressure. While many people find relief from blood pressure medications through lifestyle changes, you should always consult your doctor if these measures do not improve your blood pressure.
Diet to lower blood pressure
A diet to lower blood pressure is a good way to lower your pressure and avoid high-blood-pressure symptoms. The main culprit is sodium, or salt. High levels of sodium are associated with being overweight and obese. High-stress levels also increase blood pressure. Although all foods contain sodium, certain types are more high-sodium than others. These foods include cured meats, cheese, pickled vegetables, saltwater crab, and fish.
The World Health Organization estimates that there are more than one billion people with high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of American adults suffer from hypertension. Only one in four of these individuals has it under control. However, if you are one of the people with elevated blood pressure, it is imperative to find a way to lower your blood pressure naturally. You can start by avoiding processed foods. These typically have higher levels of saturated fat and sodium.
Flaxseed is another great food to add to your diet to lower your blood pressure. This plant compound is high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementation with flaxseed reduced the patients’ blood pressure by 2 points! Other foods to include in your diet that can lower your blood pressure are olive oil and flaxseed. Moreover, extra virgin olive oil contains a high amount of calories and can be substituted for butter.
