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Lower your blood pressure

There are no warning signs and many people do not even know they have high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk for a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. The best way to tell if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked.

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100 questions & answers about kidney disease and hypertension
Raymond R. Townsend, Debbie L. Cohen.
Sudbury, Mass. : Jones and Bartlett Publishers, c2009.
For newly diagnosed patients and their families, this guide offers answers to 100 questions about kidney disease and hypertension, including those about diagnosis of kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, transplants, and dialysis. Townsend and Cohen (hypertension and clinical hypertension, U. of Pennsylvania) provide answers about kidneys and their function, links to high blood pressure, kidney disease and diabetes, causes of malfunctions, and kidney stones and their management. There is no bibliography. Annotation #169;2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     
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Heart of the matter : essential advice for a healthy heart from renowned surgeons and cardiologists
Hilton M. Hudson, II ... [et al.].
Chicago, IL : Hilton Pub., c2008.
  1. Originally published: 2000.
  2. Includes bibliographical references (p. 175-184).
     
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100 questions & answers about high blood pressure (hypertension)
Raymond R. Townsend.
Sudbury, Mass. : Jones and Bartlett Publishers, c2008.
High blood pressure is a serious health condition affecting one in every four adults in this country. Hypertension can damage blood vessels and eventually lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, and vision problems. Whether you're a newly diagnosed patient or are a friend or relative of someone suffering from high blood pressure, this book offers help. The only text available to provide both the doctor's and patient's views, 100 Questions #38; Answers About High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions. Written by an expert on the subject, with "insider" commentary from actual patients, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone struggling with the medical, psychological, or emotional turmoil of this condition. Book jacket.
     

You can take steps to control high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle and geting proper treatment by a healthcare provider.

If your blood pressure is always higher when you visit the doctor than your readings at home, take your blood pressure machine to the doctors office to see if the readings are the same. Then you and your doctor will know if your home readings are correct.

Maintaining a healthy weight is a good first step to a better lifestyle. The more you weigh, the more pressure it takes the heart to pump the blood. Sometimes shedding extra pounds can move your blood pressure back to the normal range.

Another idea is to eat a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt. Stop adding salt when you bring food to the table. Try other seasonings such as fresh herbs and spices to add flavor to your food.

Physical activity may help lower your blood pressure. Find an aerobic activity that is right for you. Take a brisk walk 3-5 times a week, for 30 minutes. You might even find your blood pressure is at its lowest fifteen minutes after your walk.

For many learning to relax is important. We all have everyday stress that our bodies are equipped to handle. Find ways to handle the stress:  don't take on too many extra tasks and maintain positive relationships.

Regularly visits to your medical professional are essential. Answer any questions the doctor might have about your past medical history and your present state of health. The answers you give are vital to the treatment the doctor will recommend.

Know what your blood pressure should be and work to keep it at that level.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff