how to lower blood pressure?

Question

Hi, I've been trying to lower my blood pressure, I'm only 23 and have high blood pressure, im not obese, I weight about 168-170 and im about 5'8.5" About 3 years ago I weighed about 125, then when I met my girlfriend and started staying at her house, I gained the 35lbs or so rather quickly. I read online that Magnesium, Potassium, and Calcium help lower blood pressure. I got some vitamins, and some magnesium pills. Theres not a lot of potassium or calcium in the vitamins though, I figured I get enough calcium, and planned to eat more foods with potassium. But after reading some of the foods that are high in potassium, I may get enough of that too, I drink quite a bit of orange and apple juice, and eat a lot of potatoes.

What else can I do to try to lower it? My grandpa died at a rather young age from a heart attack, and I would like to avoid that from happening to me. Thanks

I have never smoked, and dont drink but maybe once every 3 monthes if that.

I am trying to eat a banana a day as said, I ate one yesterday, need to go buy some. My diet probably isnt great at all, I dont get many vegetables, but I get a lot of meat, and some fruits, exc. I dont eat a lot of sweets, but I do drink soda, Im trying to drink more water though, and I think I need to start excercising, I used to excercise a lot in highschool, stopped when I got out. but my BMI is good, I got a body fat scale yesterday, and my water hydration is good too. Im probably going to buy a thread mill and try to start walking some, I dont have the money to goto the doctor at the moment, so ill have to do this now, and go later. Thanks

about how much does the prescription medication run in cost? thanks

Answer 1

You should go to your Doctor and ask this question. Do not play around with things that contain potassium, too much will bring on a heart attack and too little will do the same.
My husband suffered with high blood pressure over the years and if it had been diagnosed sooner he would not of lost a kidney.
I'm not saying that is what is wrong with you, I'm saying in big letters GO TO YOUR DOCTOR

Answer 2

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 3

1. Get plenty of exercise. Your blood pressure will rise DURING exercise, but should be lower the rest of the day.

2. Cut down on salt. You'd be amazed at how many things you eat have a lot of salt in them. Like bread.

3. I know you're getting your potassium, but consider having a banana a day anyway.

4. Goes without saying...don't drink to excess. 2 drinks a day, tops. And binging even as infrequently as once a week will still cause problems.

Answer 4

Avoid Salt.

My mother suffer from High BP, whenever she has High BP, she just avoid salt in her 2-3 meals and it gets better.

Weight control

Honey has a low calorie content. Honey, when it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight.


The Heart

British researchers have discovered that honey slows the oxidation of 'bad' IDL cholesterol, which is responsible for causing arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. So Honey can fight against Colesterol. And the darker the honey, the better.
Pure honey taken with food daily (instead of white sugar) relieves complains of cholesterol.
This is beneficial for those of Old age, sufferers of Heart-disease, Diabetes, High-blood Pressure, Stroke, and others.

Good Luck
Wish for your good health

Answer 5

First, exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy and stay clear of heart ailments if you're worried about suffering from a heart attack at a young age. Stay away from fatty and salty foods or those with too much saturated fat or cholesterol. Include fruits and vegetables in your daily menu. Maybe eat some not-so-healthy foods because it can't be avoided but counter it with healthy foods. Basically, just do everything in moderation.

Answer 6

Ok first and foremost i would like to comment about your being obese... yes your right your not obese but rather your overweight? how and why? basing it on the standards of BMI you are classified overweight check it here http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
Then you've said that your grandpa died at a heart attack, which greatly signifies that you might get it as well, I am not scaring your or so but if its in your genes then we cannot do nothing about those genes, but rather we can prevent it from developing.
Here are some guidelines to follow
1. Lose weight if you are overweight. Losing ten pounds can have a dramatic effect on blood pressure. this off course causes a dramatic effect due to the fact that your heart can now fully accomodate your body's need, unlike when your overweight your body tries to compensate by means of pumping more blood thus leading to a high blood pressure.
2. Exercise daily. At least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise is recommended. Exercise doesn't only strengthens your heart it also promotes usage of those unused fats. So if their is usage then their will be lose of weight.
3. Read nutrition labels, especially on convenience foods. Choose foods low in sodium (salt). now why low sodium? because sodium attracts water and thus their is excessive amount of fluids in the body resulting in increase blood volume. When their is increase blood volume their is increase Blood pressure.
4.Reduce or limit alcohol intake.Because alcohol promotes increase in Blood pressure (BP). that is why it must be limited (if only your drinking)
5. Stop smoking. Because smoking can cause atherosclerosis/ artherosclerosis meaning a thickening and hardening of the blood vessels, so in return their is rapid flow of blood returning to the heart causing high BP
6.Reduce stress in your life as much as is possible. Because when the body is in stess it releases certain kinds of hormones specifically epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol. These hormones increase your blood pressure by causing your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to constrict.
so if again constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels causes high bp.
6.Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure. because it may trigger stress
7. and above all REST!!!
hope this information helps you as much as i do.

Answer 7

When my bp went up due to other medical problems my doctors main instructions were to stay away from as much salt and caffeine as possible. Otherwise, they said to do what anyone who wants to be healthy would, moderate exercise, watch diet... Don't take anything to extremes as that can cause other problems. If use to red meat all the time mix in some fish etc.

Answer 8

You might want to try to lift some weights or go for walks. It might raise your pressure while you are doing it, but that is normal. It will strength your heart which you put pressure on when you gained the weight so fast. If your blood pressure is too high and you have a family history of it, you doctor might want to put you on medication. Blood pressure is something they don't mess around with.

Answer 9

I had the same problem you did. It's the alcohol. What I did was quit drinking for a while and stepped up my workouts, to get cut again. Once you get healthy, you can drink again. There is no "easy" solution to it. Most doctors will tell you to eat right and exercise. You'll get your blood pressure to a normal level as you approach a normal BMI level.

Answer 10

Foods with beta caratine, green veggies will help but until you get with your Dr. and receive medications to help lower your bp this wont be an immediate fix. Diet and exercise help. I had a heart attack at the age of 33 and it sucked. Not from obesity or clogged arteries but from my coronary arteries closing off reducing the amount of oxygen to my heart. Medicines do help. Talk with your Dr.