What can I do to reduce the chances of getting high blood pressure?

Question

There is a strong family history of heart conditions and hypertension. What can I do to reduce the effects on me, I'm under 40 years old and BP is normal at the moment.

I don't drink, or smoke and don't take additional salt in my food.

Answer 1

Three things are thought to reduce BP and the risk of developing hypertension the disease.
1) Be as close to your ideal weight as possible.
2) Keep your salt intake low.
3) Take regular,vigorous exercise.

Even then there is no guarantee as more that 90% of hypertension is called 'idiopathic' which means we don't know why it is there.

Answer 2

HEY Just because a woman has high blood pressure during her pregnancy doesn't mean that the pregnancy will not proceed as normal and that there won't be a healthy baby delivered. But the truth is that when a woman's blood pressure is high during her pregnancy, it can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. It is also true that those women who are predisposed to high blood pressure or who have pre-existing or chronic high blood pressure are much more likely to have complications than those women that have normal blood pressure. There is a wide range of possible effects of high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys or other organs of the mother or, the most serious cases, the mother could develop preeclampsia -- or "toxemia of pregnancy" -- which can threaten the lives of both the mother and the baby. Preeclampsia usually starts at about the fifth month of pregnancy. Preeclampsia has adverse affects on the placenta, and it can affect the mother's kidneys, liver, and brain. Preeclampsia can also cause the mother to have seizures. The affects of preeclampsia on the baby can be low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth. There are things that women can do to help prevent the problems caused by high blood pressure during pregnancy. First, if a woman has pre-existing or chronic high blood pressure she should talk to her doctor before becoming pregnant, so that both can assess the risks involved. During pregnancy, a woman can: 1. Not smoke 2. Control her weight and weight gain 3. Maintain a regular exercise program 4. Limit the intake of salt 5. Get regular prenatal checkups We all want healthy, full-term, babies. High blood pressure during pregnancy isn't always a problem, but it can be a problem. Be sure that you see your doctor and take all of the precautions that you can. Good luck with everything

Answer 3

Don't smoke. Don't drink alcohol to excess. Get into a regular exercise routine. Each a healthy balanced daily diet. Pay attention to the sodium in foods you eat. Watch your weight. You don't have to become a diet fanatic, you just want to avoid packing on the pounds. Check your blood pressure often, and make an appointment with a doctor if you note changes.

If you do those things, you're doing the very best you can to protect your health. If genetics gets the best of you, you'll know before any organ damage can happen. You'll also be in great shape health wise. A 45 year old who takes his medication as directed, monitors his BP, eats right, and exercises, is way head of the game when it comes to controlling his blood pressure.

Answer 4

3 years ago, I was diagnosed - hypertension with a reading of 160/100. I used to feel dizzy a lot, my legs had awful cramps, and levels were very low in my potassium, causing my fingers and toes to always cramp together. One day I started to feel really faint while I was driving with my daughter in the back seat and I passed out, hitting 3 cars and ending up in a ditch. That moment,I knew I had to do something because my meds weren't working. I heard about this diet from a friend and thought I'd give it a shot. The results have been remarkable. In just 21 days, I honestly can't remember feeling this good, my blood pressure went from 175/110 to 125/70.

Answer 5

Try to exercise at lease 4-5 times a week. If you walk, make sure you go for at least a half hour. Cut WAY back on salt and processed foods, and increase your intake of fresh fruits and veggies. There is a rumor that garlic can help with maintaining blood pressure. If it runs in your family, you are predisposed. Whether you want to or not, you may need to consider medication if yours goes up too high. No one wants to do that, but remember it is called the "silent killer." It's hard to detect until it is too late, sometimes. You run the risk of stroke as well as heart conditions. Just keep an eye on it. Good luck. :-)

Answer 6

Limit Salt
Exercise Regularly
Watch Diet

Answer 7

Use Lo-Salt instead of ordinary...try not to eat ready meals as they are packed to the gills with salt....eat watercress and celery they are natural remedies for High blood pressure....Dandelion Tea is also very good as it's a diuretic.Learn meditation to keep your stress levels down.Buy an over the counter monitor so you can check your own pressure at home...Argos sell a really good one...my Aunt takes it with her to the Doctors and then compares the readings...and it's always spot on.Take gentle exercise ...but ask your Doctor first.

Answer 8

You must keep your salt intake at a minimum. This means if you aren't making you meals from scratch you must check each and every food label-including things like cakes etc. Don't forget there is a fair old whack of salt in bread too. Eat omega three rich foods and low fat. Good luck!

Answer 9

Watch what you ingest food wise and you could take some over the counter supplements like Omega-3's and B vitamins help! It basically falls on the diet and exercise category! Good luck!

Answer 10

You're doing well by the sound of things. keep up with the good work. Don't drink too much alcohol, try not to get stressed about things, and watch your weight.