This eMedTV article offers tips for how to lower blood pressure through lifestyle changes. For example, quitting smoking or losing weight can help reduce blood pressure; medications may be prescribed when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.
As this eMedTV page explains, calcium channel blockers and nervous system inhibitors are just two types of blood pressure medication available. This page provides detailed information about these and other medications used to treat hypertension.
This eMedTV page discusses high blood pressure and exercise, and also includes a sample walking plan. Studies on the effects of exercise show that physical activity can lower blood pressure, regardless of the type, intensity, or duration of the exercise.
This eMedTV article discusses the benefits of a high blood pressure diet such as the DASH diet. Studies have proven that following a diet such as this, which is low in sodium, can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
The DASH eating plan (also known as the DASH diet) has been shown in several research studies to lower blood pressure. This section of the eMedTV library describes the DASH diet in detail and provides a sample eating plan.
This section of the eMedTV library discusses the link between weight and high blood pressure in detail. For example, lose just 10 percent of your current weight, and high blood pressure can be lowered -- or prevented, if you don't have hypertension.
Reduce the sodium, and high blood pressure will likely go down. This eMedTV page explores the link between high blood pressure and salt. It also includes tips to reduce the amount of salt and sodium consumed.
If you have high blood pressure, you may be wondering if alcohol consumption is a good idea. This eMedTV article explains that while moderate drinking may be fine, alcohol can increase side effects of blood pressure medicine.
This eMedTV Web page explores the benefits of supplements for high blood pressure, like potassium. Research shows that potassium lowers blood pressure, but other commonly tried supplements are not proven to reduce hypertension.
Does smoking cause high blood pressure? While smoking does not cause high blood pressure directly, as this eMedTV article explains, people who smoke are at an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Studies on high blood pressure and stress, as this eMedTV Web page explains, show that long-term stress may affect blood pressure; however, the effects of short-term stress are limited. This requires a rethinking of popular myths about stress.
