6 Safe Ways To Lower Diastolic Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension, can be fatal if not treated. The most important number in your blood pressure reading is the diastolic blood pressure. The higher the diastolic blood pressure the greater the risk to developing hypertension. Changes in it are the indicators to warn you of hypertension. (The diastolic blood pressure is the number that comes second in the reading.)

Here are safe and wise tips to maintain a normal blood pressure.

1. Know your risk factors

  • Heredity

  • Obesity due to over eating and lack of exercise

  • Too much sodium or salt intake

  • Smoking and excessive alcohol drinking

  • Physical and mental stress

  • Old age

2. Always monitor your blood pressure

You can monitor your blood pressure by using a sphygmomanometer, so you can be forewarned of any abnormalities. In the list of readings below, notice how both the systolic and the diastolic increase as the level of hypertension increases.

 Normal blood pressure - 119/79 and below
 Pre-Hypertension blood pressure - 120-139/80-89
 First stage hypertension - 140-159/90-99
 Second stage hypertension -  160/100 and above


3. Recognize the signs and symptoms

  • Severe headaches

  •  Blurry vision

  •  Chest congestion

  •  Breathing problems

  •  Heartbeat irregularities

  •  Blood in the urine
     

4. Maintain a proper diet
 

Avoid foods high in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat. Lower your blood pressure, by consuming foods rich in potassium, calcium and vitamin C.A diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and wheat can also help reduce high blood pressure.


5. Control Your Weight

  • Lose weight even if you are as little as 10% above your normal weight, or more

  • Exercise regularly. Let go of a sedentary life.
     

6. Don't Forget Your Medication and Natural Supplements

Your doctor will prescribe diuretics, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Be disciplined in taking these blood pressure medications on time.

You can supplement your doctor's prescription with herbal treatments such as garlic, burdock or Hawthorne. Take his approval though.

Hypertension is a silent killer. Don't let it catch you unawares. Being alert and educating yourself about it is half the battle won


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