How to Manage High Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure or hypertension can be a little frightening. But the problem
can be effectively treated and managed, so you don't have to be afraid.
If you're one of the millions of Americans with high blood pressure, you need to try to control it. Doing so will reduce your risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other serious illness caused by the condition.
Fortunately, by simply doing the things your doctor recommends, you can lower your blood pressure and your health risks.

Medication musts
If you're on medication, be patient. Give yourself a chance to adjust to a drug, even though it may take several weeks. Work with your doctor until you find the right drug combination that works for you . If you have side effects, tell your doctor -- don't stop taking your medication.
Never skip a dose. Keep taking your medicine even when you feel well.

Healthy lifestyle
Keep in shape. Eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise will help your medicines do their job and help you manage your weight. If you're overweight, losing weight will help you control your blood pressure.

Don't smoke.
Smoking increases your chance of having a heart attack, stroke or other
serious health problem. Each cigarette also temporarily increases your blood pressure.
The effect is not long lasting, but if you’re smoking a pack a day, the effect happens
20 times per day. That works out to about two hours of elevated blood pressure a day
from smoking.

Follow the DASH diet by eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day,
as well as two to four servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products.

Use less salt.
Don't use salt during cooking; try a salt-free seasoning substitute instead. Don't salt food before you taste it. Substitute herbs and spices as flavoring. Eat fewer salty foods, such as potato and corn chips, luncheon meat, hot dogs, dill pickles and canned foods.

If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than one drink a day (for
women) or two drinks a day (for men).

Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as a brisk walk, on most days
of the week.

High blood pressure will not go away on its own, and if you return to your old habits
or stop taking medication, it can go back up. Controlling your blood pressure is something you need to continue forever -- and you can do it. It's a lifelong task that can make your life longer and help you avoid conditions that can cause disabilities, such as a stroke or heart attack.