There are simple ways to lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a severe problem in the US. The CDC reports that nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure (also referred to as hypertension). Since high blood pressure can also increase your risk for heart attacks, strokes and heart failure, it’s important to get your blood pressure under control with the help of our Brandon, FL, primary care physicians Drs. Joel and Elizabeth Biggers.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
While genetics can certainly play a role, other causes of hypertension include environmental factors, sleep apnea and insulin resistance. By catching other health conditions through routine checkups with our Brandon, FL, physicians, we can provide the treatment you need to treat the underlying cause, improving your blood pressure.
What Are Some Ways To Lower Blood Pressure?
It can be comforting to know that your lifestyle can play a significant role in controlling your blood pressure. If you are dedicated to making long-term healthy changes you can get your blood pressure under control without resorting to lifelong medications. Some simple ways to improve blood pressure include,
- Get at least thirty minutes of aerobic activity every day (yes, even just a brisk walk can be beneficial to your health)
- Make sure to get up and move throughout the day (our bodies weren’t designed to sit for hours at a time)
- Eat a healthy, balanced, plant-based diet that is full of whole foods while avoiding processed or junk foods
- Reducing sodium intake or simply avoiding processed or prepackaged foods, which are typically chock full of sodium, sugar and preservatives
- Quitting smoking, if you currently smoke
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol intake
- Find healthy outlets to help you manage stress
- Reduce caffeine consumption
If you have been told that your blood pressure is elevated, or if you have a family history of high blood pressure, you’ll want to monitor your blood pressure at home and turn to our Brandon, FL, doctors regularly to check your blood pressure.
Do I Require Medication To Lower My Blood Pressure?
If you have been diagnosed with stage 1 or 2 hypertension, you will probably require medication to control your blood pressure. Of course, you should still follow the lifestyle modifications above to ensure that you take all the steps necessary to improve blood pressure. If lifestyle modifications and medication lower your blood pressure, our doctors may reduce or even stop the medication.
Don’t let high blood pressure sneak up on you. Turn to our Brandon, FL, team for routine checkups every year to ensure you’re staying healthy. To discuss ways to lower your blood pressure, call Biggers Family Medicine at (813) 655-4646 to schedule an appointment.