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Effective ways to control blood pressure levels

Effective ways to control blood pressure levels

In addition to dairy, you can get calcium from collard greens Kiwi fruit processing methods other contrkl greens, beans, CLA and hormonal balanceand CLA and hormonal balance. If you experience any Hyperglycemia and diabetes Effectigepressurd your doctor straight away. Eat calcium-rich foods. Why Bloos research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us. Discrimination at work is linked to high blood pressure.

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Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

New research shows little risk of Egfective from prostate biopsies. Cintrol at work is linked controk high prexsure pressure. Icy fingers and toes: Poor circulation or Raynaud's phenomenon? Taking CLA and hormonal balance to lower high was pressure is a proven peessure to reduce your risk for heart disease.

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Subscribe to Harvard Health Online pressuree immediate access to health news and information from Harvard CLA and hormonal balance School. Already a member? Login ». Matthew WaydExecutive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch. Howard Presure. LeWine, MDChief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing.

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No content on this CLA and hormonal balance, regardless ccontrol date, should ever be Effective ways to control blood pressure levels as a substitute for direct medical wags from contrpl doctor or other qualified clinician.

An bliod one in three American adults has high blood pressure. Known Effective ways to control blood pressure levels as hypertension, many wats don't even know they have it, because high blood pressure has no symptoms or warning signs. Presssure when pressire CLA and hormonal balance pressure Effective ways to control blood pressure levels accompanied by abnormal cholesterol and blood sugar levels, the damage to your arteries, kidneys, and heart accelerates exponentially.

Fortunately, high blood pressure is easy to detect and treat. In the Special Health Report, Controlling Your Blood Pressurefind out how to keep blood pressure in a healthy range simply by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, increasing activity, and eating more healthfully.

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: Effective ways to control blood pressure levels

17 Expert Tips to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally Without Drugs The type of medicine used to treat hypertension depends on your overall health and how high your blood pressure is. Overview of herbal medicine and dietary supplements. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. Bottom line: Calcium-rich diets are linked to healthy blood pressure levels. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you're having trouble reaching your blood pressure goal with combinations of the above medicines, your provider may prescribe:. American Heart Association.
15 natural ways to lower your blood pressure

Request Appointment. Products and services. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Feehally J, et al. Nonpharmacologic prevention and treatment of hypertension.

In: Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. Elsevier; Accessed April 20, Hypertension adult. Mayo Clinic; Hall ME, et al. Weight-loss strategies for prevention and treatment of hypertension: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association.

Shimbo D, et al. Self-measured blood pressure monitoring at home: A joint policy statement from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association. Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture. Accessed April 23, Libby P, et al. Systemic hypertension: Mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment.

In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. Sleep deprivation and deficiency: Healthy sleep habits. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Managing stress to control high blood pressure.

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About Mayo Clinic. About this Site. Contact Us. Health Information Policy. Media Requests. News Network. Price Transparency. Swap processed foods for fresh ingredients and try seasoning with herbs and spices rather than salt. Bottom line: Most guidelines for lowering blood pressure recommend reducing sodium intake.

However, that recommendation might make the most sense for people who are sensitive to the effects of salt. Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of several chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure 9.

While some research has suggested that low to moderate amounts of alcohol consumption may protect the heart, those benefits may be offset by negative effects In the United States, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than one drink per day for females and two drinks per day for males.

If you drink more than that, it might be best to consider reducing your intake Bottom line: Drinking any amount of alcohol may raise your blood pressure.

Potassium is an important mineral that helps your body get rid of sodium and eases pressure on your blood vessels To get a better balance of potassium and sodium in your diet, focus on eating fewer processed foods and more fresh, whole foods.

Foods that are particularly high in potassium include 14 :. Bottom line: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, can help lower blood pressure.

In fact, people who drink caffeinated coffee or tea tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, than those who do not drink it Bottom line: Caffeine can cause a short-term spike in blood pressure.

However, for many people, it does not cause a lasting increase. Stress is a key driver of high blood pressure. On a physical level, that means a faster heart rate and constricted blood vessels When you experience stress, you might also be more likely to engage in habits that can have negative effects on blood pressure, such as drinking alcohol and eating processed foods Several studies have explored how reducing stress can help lower blood pressure.

Here are two evidence-based tips to try:. Bottom line: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress can help. A review of studies found that flavonoid-rich cocoa may reduce short-term blood pressure levels in healthy adults For the strongest effects, use non-alkalized cocoa powder, which is especially high in flavonoids and has no added sugars.

Bottom line: Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain plant compounds that help relax blood vessels, which may lower blood pressure. In people who are overweight, losing weight can make a big difference to heart health.

The effect is even greater when weight loss is paired with exercise Losing weight can help your blood vessels do a better job of expanding and contracting, making it easier for the left ventricle of your heart to pump blood Bottom line: Losing weight can significantly lower high blood pressure.

This effect is even more pronounced when you exercise. Among the many reasons to quit smoking is that the habit is a strong risk factor for heart disease.

Every puff of cigarette smoke causes a slight, temporary increase in blood pressure. The chemicals in tobacco are also known to damage blood vessels. This could be because people who smoke regularly develop a tolerance over time Still, since both smoking and high blood pressure raise the risk of heart disease, quitting smoking can help lessen that risk A research review found that increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was linked to higher blood pressure levels in children and adolescents Some studies have shown that low carb diets may also help reduce blood pressure.

In fact, one review of 12 studies showed that following a low carb diet could reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with several other risk factors for heart disease Bottom line: Consuming refined carbs, especially sugar, may raise blood pressure.

Some studies have shown that low carb diets may help lower your blood pressure levels. Polyphenols can reduce the risk of stroke, heart conditions, and diabetes and improve blood pressure, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation In one study, researchers assigned people with high blood pressure to a low polyphenol diet or a high polyphenol diet containing berries, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables Those consuming berries and polyphenol-rich foods experienced improved markers of heart disease risk.

Bottom line: Berries are rich in polyphenols, which can help lower blood pressure and the overall risk of heart disease. Both meditation and deep breathing may activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

This system is engaged when the body relaxes, slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. The authors of a review concluded that practicing diaphragmatic breathing , a deep breathing technique, twice daily for 4 weeks could lead to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure Try guided meditation or deep breathing.

Bottom line: Both meditation and deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure.

People with low calcium intake often have high blood pressure. For most adults, the calcium recommendation is 1, milligrams mg per day. However, some people, including older adults, may need more In addition to dairy, you can get calcium from collard greens and other leafy greens, beans, sardines , and tofu.

Here is a list of calcium-rich plant-based foods. Bottom line: Calcium-rich diets are linked to healthy blood pressure levels. You can get calcium by eating dark leafy greens, tofu, and dairy products. Some natural supplements may also help lower blood pressure. Here are some of the main supplements that have evidence behind them:.

Read more about supplements for high blood pressure. Bottom line : Researchers have investigated several natural supplements for their ability to lower blood pressure.

Magnesium is an important mineral that helps blood vessels relax. Some studies have suggested that getting too little magnesium is linked with high blood pressure, but evidence from clinical studies has been less clear 41 , Bottom line: Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.

It can be found in a wide range of whole foods, including legumes and whole grains. Long-term lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake and managing stress, are the best way to bring blood pressure down.

An immediate way to reduce stress is to get active, stretch, and practice deep breathing. A small study found that people who drank an additional two bottles of water on top of their usual daily intake experienced decreased systolic blood pressure.

However, more research is needed to support this finding. While medication is one way to treat the condition, there are many natural techniques that can help, including eating certain foods.

6 natural ways to lower blood pressure - Harvard Health

Ideally, stay under 1, mg a day, but aim for at least a 1, mg per day reduction. Get active. Limit alcohol. Drink no more than one to two drinks a day one for most women, two for most men. Keep checking your blood pressure at home Take ownership of your treatment by tracking your blood pressure.

Take your medication If you have to take medication, take it exactly the way your health care professional says. Last Reviewed: May 30, Be inspired and stay informed.

Subscribe today! First Name required. Last Name required. Email required. Educate yourself about HBP and learn how to monitor your blood pressure at home. Armed with this information, you can commit to living heart healthy. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.

See our editorial policies and staff. High Blood Pressure. The Facts About HBP. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. Why HBP is a "Silent Killer". Health Threats from HBP. Changes You Can Make to Manage High Blood Pressure. Baja Tu Presión. Practice the following healthy living habits:.

Choose healthy meal and snack options to help you avoid high blood pressure and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Talk with your health care team about eating a variety of foods rich in potassium, fiber, and protein and lower in salt sodium and saturated fat.

For many people, making these healthy changes can help keep blood pressure low and protect against heart disease and stroke. The DASH Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan is a healthy diet plan with a proven record of helping people lower their blood pressure.

Having overweight or obesity increases your risk for high blood pressure. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate your body mass index BMI.

Doctors sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to assess body fat. Talk with your health care team about ways to reach a healthy weight, including choosing healthy foods and getting regular physical activity. Physical activity can help keep you at a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or bicycling, every week.

Children and adolescents should get 1 hour of physical activity every day.

10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication - Mayo Clinic

Your health care provider may ask you to regularly check your blood pressure at home. Home monitoring is a good way to keep track of your blood pressure. It helps your care providers know if your medicine is working or if your condition is getting worse.

For the most reliable blood pressure measurement, the American Heart Association recommends using a monitor with a cuff that goes around your upper arm, when available. Devices that measure your blood pressure at your wrist or finger aren't recommended by the American Heart Association because they can provide less reliable results.

Changing your lifestyle can help control and manage high blood pressure. Your health care provider may recommend that you make lifestyle changes including:. Sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough to treat high blood pressure.

If they don't help, your provider may recommend medicine to lower your blood pressure. The type of medicine used to treat hypertension depends on your overall health and how high your blood pressure is.

Two or more blood pressure drugs often work better than one. It can take some time to find the medicine or combination of medicines that works best for you. When taking blood pressure medicine, it's important to know your goal blood pressure level. The ideal blood pressure goal can vary with age and health conditions, particularly if you're older than age Water pills diuretics.

These drugs help remove sodium and water from the body. They are often the first medicines used to treat high blood pressure. There are different classes of diuretics, including thiazide, loop and potassium sparing. Which one your provider recommends depends on your blood pressure measurements and other health conditions, such as kidney disease or heart failure.

Diuretics commonly used to treat blood pressure include chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide Microzide and others. A common side effect of diuretics is increased urination. Urinating a lot can reduce potassium levels. A good balance of potassium is necessary to help the heart beat correctly.

If you have low potassium hypokalemia , your provider may recommend a potassium-sparing diuretic that contains triamterene. Calcium channel blockers. These drugs help relax the muscles of the blood vessels.

Some slow your heart rate. They include amlodipine Norvasc , diltiazem Cardizem, Tiazac, others and others. Calcium channel blockers may work better for older people and Black people than do angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitors alone.

Don't eat or drink grapefruit products when taking calcium channel blockers. Grapefruit increases blood levels of certain calcium channel blockers, which can be dangerous. Talk to your provider or pharmacist if you're concerned about interactions. If you're having trouble reaching your blood pressure goal with combinations of the above medicines, your provider may prescribe:.

Beta blockers. These medicines reduce the workload on the heart and widen the blood vessels. This helps the heart beat slower and with less force.

Beta blockers include atenolol Tenormin , metoprolol Lopressor, Toprol-XL, Kapspargo sprinkle and others. Beta blockers aren't usually recommended as the only medicine prescribed. They may work best when combined with other blood pressure drugs. Renin inhibitors.

Aliskiren Tekturna slows the production of renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys that starts a chain of chemical steps that increases blood pressure. Due to a risk of serious complications, including stroke, you shouldn't take aliskiren with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.

Always take blood pressure medicines as prescribed. Never skip a dose or abruptly stop taking blood pressure medicines. Suddenly stopping certain ones, such as beta blockers, can cause a sharp increase in blood pressure called rebound hypertension.

If you skip doses because of cost, side effects or forgetfulness, talk to your care provider about solutions. Don't change your treatment without your provider's guidance.

Having resistant hypertension doesn't mean your blood pressure will never get lower. If you and your provider can determine the cause, a more effective treatment plan can be created.

If you have high blood pressure and are pregnant, discuss with your care providers how to control blood pressure during your pregnancy. Researchers have been studying the use of heat to destroy specific nerves in the kidney that may play a role in resistant hypertension.

The method is called renal denervation. Early studies showed some benefit. But more-robust studies found that it doesn't significantly lower blood pressure in people with resistant hypertension. More research is underway to determine what role, if any, this therapy may have in treating hypertension.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. A commitment to a healthy lifestyle can help prevent and manage high blood pressure.

Try these heart-healthy strategies:. Get more exercise. Regular exercise keeps the body healthy. It can lower blood pressure, ease stress, manage weight and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions.

Aim to get at least minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of the two. If you have high blood pressure, consistent moderate- to high-intensity workouts can lower your top blood pressure reading by about 11 mm Hg and the bottom number by about 5 mm Hg.

Diet and exercise are the best ways to lower blood pressure. But some supplements are promoted as heart healthy.

These supplements include:. Researchers are also studying whether vitamin D can reduce blood pressure, but evidence is conflicting. More research is needed. Talk to your care provider before adding any supplements to your blood pressure treatment. Some can interact with medicines, causing harmful side effects that could be life-threatening.

Deep breathing or mindfulness are alterative medicine techniques that can help you relax. These practices may temporarily reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure isn't something that you can treat and then ignore.

It's a condition that requires regular health checkups. Some things you can do to help manage the condition are:. If you think you may have high blood pressure, make an appointment with your health care provider for a blood pressure test.

You might want to wear a short-sleeved shirt to your appointment so it's easier to place the blood pressure cuff around your arm. No special preparations are necessary for a blood pressure test. To get an accurate reading, avoid caffeine, exercise and tobacco for at least 30 minutes before the test.

Because some medicines can raise blood pressure, bring a list of all medicines, vitamins and other supplements you take and their doses to your medical appointment. Don't stop taking any medicines without your provider's advice. Appointments can be brief. Because there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment.

Here's some information to help you get ready. Preparing a list of questions can help you and your provider make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.

For high blood pressure, some basic questions to ask your provider include:. Your health care provider is likely to ask you questions.

Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your provider may ask:. It's never too early to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and getting more exercise.

These are the main ways to protect yourself against high blood pressure and its complications, including heart attack and stroke. On this page.

Self care. Alternative medicine. Coping and support. Preparing for your appointment. Hypertension FAQs. Leslie Thomas, M. Show Transcript. What is the best way to measure my blood pressure at home?

What could be causing my blood pressure to be quite erratic? Should I restrict salt to reduce my blood pressure? How can I lower my blood pressure without medication? What is the best medication to take for hypertension? Are certain blood pressure medications harmful to my kidneys?

How can I be the best partner to my medical team? Blood pressure measurement. Top number, called systolic pressure. The first, or upper, number measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.

Bottom number, called diastolic pressure. The second, or lower, number measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Stage 1 hypertension. The top number is between and mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.

Stage 2 hypertension. The top number is mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher. Tests If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend tests to check for a cause. Ambulatory monitoring.

A longer blood pressure monitoring test may be done to check blood pressure at regular times over six or 24 hours. This is called ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

However, the devices used for the test aren't available in all medical centers. Check with your insurer to see if ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a covered service.

Lab tests. Blood and urine tests are done to check for conditions that can cause or worsen high blood pressure. For example, tests are done to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

You may also have lab tests to check your kidney, liver and thyroid function. Electrocardiogram ECG or EKG. This quick and painless test measures the heart's electrical activity.

It can tell how fast or how slow the heart is beating. During an electrocardiogram ECG , sensors called electrodes are attached to the chest and sometimes to the arms or legs. Wires connect the sensors to a machine, which prints or displays results.

This noninvasive exam uses sound waves to create detailed images of the beating heart. It shows how blood moves through the heart and heart valves. Taking your blood pressure at home Your health care provider may ask you to regularly check your blood pressure at home.

Home blood pressure monitors are available at local stores and pharmacies. More Information. Blood pressure chart. Blood pressure test. Your health care provider may recommend that you make lifestyle changes including: Eating a heart-healthy diet with less salt Getting regular physical activity Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight Limiting alcohol Not smoking Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily Sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough to treat high blood pressure.

Medications The type of medicine used to treat hypertension depends on your overall health and how high your blood pressure is. Medicines used to treat high blood pressure include: Water pills diuretics.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitors. These drugs help relax blood vessels. They block the formation of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels. Examples include lisinopril Prinivil, Zestril , benazepril Lotensin , captopril and others.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers ARBs. These drugs also relax blood vessels. They block the action, not the formation, of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels. angiotensin II receptor blockers ARBs include candesartan Atacand , losartan Cozaar and others.

Other medicines sometimes used to treat high blood pressure If you're having trouble reaching your blood pressure goal with combinations of the above medicines, your provider may prescribe: Alpha blockers.

These medicines reduce nerve signals to blood vessels. They help lower the effects of natural chemicals that narrow blood vessels. Alpha blockers include doxazosin Cardura , prazosin Minipress and others.

Alpha-beta blockers. Alpha-beta blockers block nerve signals to blood vessels and slow the heartbeat. They reduce the amount of blood that must be pumped through the vessels. Alpha-beta blockers include carvedilol Coreg and labetalol Trandate.

Aldosterone antagonists. These drugs may be used to treat resistant hypertension. They block the effect of a natural chemical that can lead to salt and fluid buildup in the body. Examples are spironolactone Aldactone and eplerenone Inspra.

These medicines stop the muscles in the artery walls from tightening. This prevents the arteries from narrowing.

Examples include hydralazine and minoxidil. Central-acting agents. These medicines prevent the brain from telling the nervous system to increase the heart rate and narrow the blood vessels.

Examples include clonidine Catapres, Kapvay , guanfacine Intuniv and methyldopa. Treating resistant hypertension You may have resistant hypertension if: You take at least three different blood pressure drugs, including a diuretic.

But your blood pressure remains stubbornly high. You're taking four different medicines to control high blood pressure. Your care provider should check for a possible second cause of the high blood pressure. Treating resistant hypertension may involve many steps, including: Changing blood pressure medicines to find the best combination and dosage.

Reviewing all your medicines, including those bought without a prescription. Checking blood pressure at home to see if medical appointments cause high blood pressure. This is called white coat hypertension. Eating healthy, managing weight and making other recommended lifestyle changes.

High blood pressure during pregnancy If you have high blood pressure and are pregnant, discuss with your care providers how to control blood pressure during your pregnancy. Potential future treatments Researchers have been studying the use of heat to destroy specific nerves in the kidney that may play a role in resistant hypertension.

Request an appointment. Alpha blockers. Angiotensin II receptor blockers. Show more related information. Choosing blood pressure medicines.

Beta blockers: Do they cause weight gain? Beta blockers: How do they affect exercise? Blood pressure medications: Can they raise my triglycerides? Calcium supplements: Do they interfere with blood pressure drugs? Diuretics: A cause of low potassium? From Mayo Clinic to your inbox.

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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Clinical trials. Try these heart-healthy strategies: Eat healthy foods. Eat a healthy diet. Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DASH diet. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods.

Get plenty of potassium from natural sources, which can help lower blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and trans fat. Use less salt. Processed meats, canned foods, commercial soups, frozen dinners and certain breads can be hidden sources of salt.

Check food labels for the sodium content. Limit foods and beverages that are high in sodium. A sodium intake of 1, mg a day or less is considered ideal for most adults.

But ask your provider what's best for you. Limit alcohol. Even if you're healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women, and up to two drinks a day for men.

One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1. Don't smoke. Tobacco injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries. If you smoke, ask your care provider for strategies to help you quit. Maintain a healthy weight.

If you're overweight or have obesity, losing weight can help control blood pressure and lower the risk of complications. Ask your health care provider what weight is best for you. In general, blood pressure drops by about 1 mm Hg with every 2. In people with high blood pressure, the drop in blood pressure may be even more significant per kilogram of weight lost.

Practice good sleep habits. Poor sleep may increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Adults should aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. Kids often need more. Go to bed and wake at the same time every day, including on weekends. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your provider about strategies that might help. Manage stress.

Find ways to help reduce emotional stress. Getting more exercise, practicing mindfulness and connecting with others in support groups are some ways to reduce stress. Try slow, deep breathing. Practice taking deep, slow breaths to help relax. Some research shows that slow, paced breathing 5 to 7 deep breaths per minute combined with mindfulness techniques can reduce blood pressure.

There are devices available to promote slow, deep breathing. According to the American Heart Association, device-guided breathing may be a reasonable nondrug option for lowering blood pressure. It may be an good option if you have anxiety with high blood pressure or can't tolerate standard treatments.

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How to measure blood pressure using a manual monitor. How to measure blood pressure using an automatic monitor. What is blood pressure? These supplements include: Fiber, such as blond psyllium and wheat bran Minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and potassium Folic acid Supplements or products that increase nitric oxide or widen blood vessels — called vasodilators — such as cocoa, coenzyme Q10, L-arginine and garlic Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, high-dose fish oil supplements and flaxseed Researchers are also studying whether vitamin D can reduce blood pressure, but evidence is conflicting.

L-arginine: Does it lower blood pressure? Some things you can do to help manage the condition are: Take medicines as directed.

If side effects or costs pose problems, ask your provider about other options. Don't stop taking your medicines without first talking to a care provider. If you find you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group. This may put you in touch with people who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who can offer practical tips to cope with your condition.

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Show references Feehally J, et al. Nonpharmacologic prevention and treatment of hypertension. In: Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. Elsevier; Accessed April 20, Hypertension adult.

Mayo Clinic; Hall ME, et al. Weight-loss strategies for prevention and treatment of hypertension: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Shimbo D, et al. Self-measured blood pressure monitoring at home: A joint policy statement from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association.

Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture. Accessed April 23, Libby P, et al. Systemic hypertension: Mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment. In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Sleep deprivation and deficiency: Healthy sleep habits. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Managing stress to control high blood pressure.

American Heart Association. Products and Services A Book: Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure Blood Pressure Monitors at Mayo Clinic Store The Mayo Clinic Diet Online.

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