Do You Know How To Control Blood Pressure At Home?

In today’s era, lots of people are suffering from hypertension aka High Blood Pressure these days. we should regularly check blood pressure and always try to control blood pressure to reduce the risk of further complications.

Hypertension occurs when your blood pressure increases abnormally. Untreated high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, complications during pregnancy & many other conditions. In this article, you will know how to control your high blood pressure at home with easy activities and some minor changes in your diet to pursue a better healthy life.

WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE?

BLOOD PRESSURE is the measurement of the pressure of the blood pushing against the blood vessel. And High blood pressure is often called the  “Silent Killer” because you may not aware of what is wrong in your body but the damage is occurring inside your body. It can cause damage to blood vessels and organs, especially the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys.

WHO IS MORE AT RISK?

• Family members have high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes.
• age above 55 years.
• Overweight
• Eat a high sodium diet.{salt}
• Smoke addict
• Heavy drinker.
• Use of illegal drugs.
• Kidney disease patients.

SYMPTOMS:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Changes in vision
• Flushing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nose bleed
• increasing confusion

The best way to know if you have hypertension is to get regular blood pressure checkups.

If your blood pressure remains high, more tests should be conducted to rule out underlying conditions. tests may include:

• Urine test 
• Cholesterol screening and other blood tests.
• ECG(electrocardiogram)
• Ultrasound of heart  & kidneys.

MEDICATIONS USED TO CONTROL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE INCLUDE:

1. Beta-blockers:beta-blockers make the heartbeat slower and with less force which reduces the amount of blood pumped through arteries & lowers blood pressure.
2. DIURETICS: High sodium levels and excess fluid can increase blood pressure. Diuretics help in reducing excess sodium from the body.
3. ACE inhibitors: ACE(angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors help in relaxing blood vessels thus Lowers blood pressure.
4. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): also help in relaxing blood vessels.
5. Calcium channel blockers: These medications block calcium from entering the heart muscles which leads to less forceful heartbeats and lowers blood pressure.

HOW TO CONTROL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AT HOME?

• Developing a healthy lifestyle: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein like fish.
• Increasing physical activity: Daily 30 minute exercise is beneficial in reducing stress and strengthen your cardiovascular system.
• Maintaining proper weight.
• Managing stress:  meditation, deep breathing, massage, muscle relaxation, yoga.
• Reduce the amount of drink.
• Quit smoking.

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Eat less meat, more plants.
• Reduce dietary sodium.
• Cut back on sweets

13 foods that help in lowering your blood pressure:

• Leafy greens: potassium helps kidneys get rid of more sodium through urine.it includes:turnip leaves,collard greens,spinach.
• Berries
• Red beets
• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Bananas
• Salmon, mackerel, and fish with omega 3s
• Seeds
• Garlic and herbs
• Dark chocolate
• Pistachios
• Olive oil
• pomegranates.