How to Lower High Blood Pressure Naturally

About 30 million people in the United States have high blood pressure. It is the third most common condition behind arthritis and sinusitis. Even more important than the rank of high blood is the significant impact it can have on your health, in particular as you get older. Of all the risk factors for heart attack, high blood pressure is generally a good indicator of developing heart disease after the age of 65.

On a positive note however, most who have high blood pressure, have what is known as mild hypertension, These are the people that can be treated most successfully with non-drug therapy or home remedies. Consult your physician before implementing any changes; you may need to adjust your medication when you add alternative remedies to your health program.

One of the best way to naturally lower blood pressure is to lose weight. Obese people tend to have three times as much hypertension as people of normal weight, according to Norman Kaplan, M.D., an expert in high blood pressure at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas Southwestern Medical School. If you are twenty percent above the ideal weight for your height and bone density, it is time to look at losing weight. Even a small amount of weight loss can have a major impact on your blood pressure numbers.

Eliminate as much salt as you can from your diet to naturally lower blood pressure. While the link between sodium and high blood pressure has not been proven beyond a doubt; a subset of hypertensives exist that may be salt-sensitive. Dr. Kaplan recommends cutting your salt consumption in half, maintain that level for a while, and see if it impacts your blood pressure numbers. While not all people with high blood pressure have a sensitivity to salt, most are advised to reduce salt consumption as a matter of course.

Try adding mild, aerobic exercise to your daily life. Start by walking a quarter of a mile briskly and work your way up to a mile. Exercise forces the blood vessels to open up or vasodilate and that helps blood pressure come down. Swimming, walking and biking are all excellent exercises for people with hypertension.

Measure your blood pressure yourself, at home. Often people are intimidated by walking into a doctor's office to have their blood pressure taken, resulting in the "white coat syndrome". Consider buying your own blood pressure kit. Blood pressure kits come in three main groups: mechanical, electronic and manual cuff inflation. The most practical are the electronic types with manual inflation. Most of these units cost between $60 and $80 dollars and are quite easy to use. You can find them at most retail drug stores.

Get a dog or a cat. Having a pet companion can work wonders in lowering blood pressure. Simply by interacting with a cat or dog in a quiet manner has the benefit of lowering blood pressure. A dog will also require outside walks which in turn will help you get your daily exercise.

While mild hypertension can often be managed successfully with a few lifestyle changes, if your blood pressure numbers continue to climb, consult your physician for other treatment options.