What are the Best Tips for Controlling Hypertension?

The best tips for a person looking to control hypertension are to lose weight, eat healthily, and get in some exercise every day. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often a result of poor lifestyle choices. People who are overweight, lead very sedentary lifestyles, and eat foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats are more likely to have problems with hypertension. Drinking and smoking excessively can also increase the risk of this condition. Controlling hypertension by developing better habits in regard to eating and exercise can occasionally lower high blood pressure or eliminate the problem altogether.

Reducing sodium intake can also aid in controlling hypertension. Most people consume much more salt than what the body requires each day thanks to processed foods such as chips, frozen dinners, and other prepackaged meals. The maximum amount of salt a person without hypertension should consume is about 2400 mg per day. When controlling hypertension, a person should try to limit his salt intake to less than 1500 mg daily. Another way a person can reduce sodium is by not sprinkling food with salt at meals. Most food already contains an adequate amount.

Many people with hypertension do not have side effects, which is why it is considered a "silent killer." Years of living with hypertension without treatment can lead to things like kidney failure, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Having regular blood pressure checks is important for everyone, especially people who are controlling hypertension or are at risk of developing it.

A blood pressure reading of 140/90 or greater is considered high. People with readings that are approaching this number should do what they can to prevent the numbers from climbing any higher. Doctors will prescribe medication that can lower blood pressure, but making healthy lifestyle changes is also crucial if a person doesn't want to remain on the medicine for life.

When symptoms of hypertension occur, people tend to think they might be related to many other health problems because they are generally very nonspecific. Symptoms associated with hypertension include dizziness, nausea, headache, and blurred vision. Malignant hypertension, which is a more serious type of hypertension, occurs when the lower number on a blood pressure reading goes above 140. It can cause all the symptoms of regular hypertension, including extreme lightheadedness. This severe form of hypertension is rare, but often leads to emergency hospitalization due to the increased risk of stroke.