7 Lifestyle Changes That Help Treat High Blood Pressure

May is Hypertension Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to take stock of your blood pressure levels. High blood pressure has few symptoms, and these only emerge when the condition reaches life-threatening levels.

The Comprehensive Primary Care team specializes in hypertension care, from monitoring blood pressure to its diagnosis and treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 50% of the adult population in the country has high blood pressure. 

Testing is the only way to know you have hypertension, but there’s plenty you can do to control your levels. We’ve prepared a list of seven lifestyle elements you can use to protect yourself against this silent killer. 

1. Know your risk

Your risk of developing high blood pressure climbs with factors you can change as well as those you can’t. There’s no way to reduce your risk from age, gender, or genetics, so when these work against you, it’s more important to control preventable risks. Come talk with us to determine your current hypertension status and how you can positively affect your blood pressure levels.  

2. Body mass

The good news is that many blood pressure risk factors are within your control and frequently connected, multiplying your positive efforts and helping you work on hypertension efficiently. Choosing a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods can help you lose weight while lowering cholesterol, heart disease risk, and blood pressure.

3. Control alcohol and salt

While neither alcohol nor salt cause hypertension on their own, high levels of intake of these consumables can contribute to higher blood pressure levels. Be aware of hidden salt in foods and moderate alcohol consumption to reduce its influence. 

4. Stress

Managing stress is never easy, but it’s a key player in elevated blood pressure. Know what triggers stress for you and find ways to combat it. Discover ways to build relaxation into your daily life, such as meditation or yoga, and do what you can to avoid stressful situations. Focusing on breathing sometimes reduces blood pressure within minutes.

5. Boost activity levels

Sedentary living feeds many high blood pressure risk factors, including obesity and poor eating habits. Adding moderate activity for 30 minutes daily, five times a week, dramatically improves hypertension. There’s no need to convert yourself into a gym rat. Walking, biking, or swimming are enjoyable ways to boost activity. Any amount of new activity is good, so work toward that 30-minute goal at your own pace.  

6. Quit tobacco  

Though this might be a hard change to make, smoking harms your lungs and causes devastating effects on your blood vessels and heart. When it comes to your blood pressure, the only safe level of nicotine is zero. 

7. Check your blood pressure frequently

Consider getting a home blood pressure monitor to understand your blood pressure and keep track of monitoring in between office visits with us. Home testing makes it easy to see the effects of your other changes and can help you know when to visit Comprehensive Primary Care for treatment.   

Contact the office of Comprehensive Primary Care in Snellville, Lawrenceville, or Suwanee, Georgia. Call or click to book your appointment today.