Health and Wellness

Ten Tips for Lowering Your Blood Pressure

Check it. You can't do much about your blood pressure unless you know what it is. Your doctor should check it at every visit. Measuring at home between visits is even better.
Get moving. Exercise can lower blood pressure by 10 points, prevent the onset of high blood pressure, and help you reduce your dosage of blood pressure medications.
Eat right. A diet for better blood pressure emphasizes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts.
Control your weight. If you are overweight, losing weight can lower your blood pressure.
Don't smoke. Smoking a cigarette can cause a 20-point spike in systolic blood pressure (the first number).
Drink alcohol in moderation. Going beyond a drink a day can contribute to higher blood pressure.
Shake up your salts. Too much sodium and too little potassium can boost blood pressure. Aim for less than 1.5 grams of sodium a day, and at least 4.7 grams of potassium from fruits and vegetables.
Sleep is good. Chronic lack of sleep can contribute to high blood pressure. Get at least 6 hours a night.
Reduce stress. Mental and emotional stress can raise blood pressure. Meditation and deep breathing can lower it.
Stick with your medications. If prescribed, medication can keep you from having a stroke or heart attack.

Source: The Harvard Heart Letter from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.