Staying active can help manage high blood pressure

High Blood Pressure Getting You Down? We’re Here to Help!

August 11, 2020   Reviewed by Dr. Mark Zacharjasz and Renee Edgar, RN

 

According to the American Heart Association, roughly half of American adults live with high blood pressure. While common, it’s still important to keep high blood pressure in check. If left untreated, it can lead to severe or life-threatening incidents such as heart attack or stroke. 

The good news is high blood pressure is manageable. It’important to know if you have high blood pressure and understand how to manage it. 

 

4 Steps to Healthier Blood Pressure

  1. Communicate with your healthcare provider. 

    Everyone is different and most solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all. It’s important to discuss any blood pressure concerns you have with your provider to determine an appropriate plan tailored to you.
    Depending on your situation, your provider may determine that a medication regimen may help you control your blood pressure.  

  2. Eat a well-balanced diet. 

    The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, along with limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage blood pressure. 

  3. Reduce stress with healthy habits you enjoy

    Stress can lead to several unhealthy lifestyle habits, many of which can raise your blood pressure. Healthy habits like walking outdoors, meditation, practicing yoga, and finding other hobbies may be helpful in reducing stress

  4. Get moving doing something you love. 

    Staying active is good for your body for a multitude of reasons and can be a powerful tool in helping to control your blood pressure. Finding a way to get moving that you enjoy will help make staying active easier and increase the chances that you’ll maintain the habit!

The Mahaska Health’s Primary Care and Cardiac Care teams are ready to work with you to develop a healthcare plan that works for you. Mahaska Health is dedicated to caring for you.  

Call 641.672.3360 today to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.