If your doctor has told you that you have blood pressure readings that indicate that you have prehypertension,there are several things that you can do for yourself to lower those readings.
Prehypertension is a systolic pressure from 120 to 139, or a diastolic pressure from 80 to 89.
When the pressure gets to 140/90, it is considered hypertension.
Prehypertension doesn't likely put you at risk for nasty little things that real hypertension can cause, like heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure, but prehypertension blood pressure readings are an indication that you need to make some lifestyle adjustments that just might help you avoid developing full-blown hypertension.
The first thing that you should do is to adjust your intake of sodium.
Your doctor will likely recommend a low-salt diet, but you need to become an avid label reader.
When you read the labels on prepackaged or convenience foods, you will see a section that says "sodium.
" Sodium IS salt.
Even if the food doesn't taste salty, it can still be loaded with sodium, because sodium is used as a food preservative.
The fast food places serve nothing but food that is loaded with salt and fat, so they need to be avoided completely.
Change your diet to include fresh fruits and vegetables, fruits and vegetables that have been prepared without a lot of salt, and whole grains.
Get off your duff and start a good (but sensible) exercise program with your doctor's blessing.
You don't have to prepare for running a marathon, but you do need at least 20 minutes a day, three days a week of low-impact aerobic exercise.
Cut back on your intake of alcohol.
Overindulging will raise your blood pressure.
Cut back on your intake of caffeine, as well.
Coffee and tea are not the only things that contain caffeine.
Sodas and chocolate are loaded with the stuff...
READ the labels.
Prehypertension is a systolic pressure from 120 to 139, or a diastolic pressure from 80 to 89.
When the pressure gets to 140/90, it is considered hypertension.
Prehypertension doesn't likely put you at risk for nasty little things that real hypertension can cause, like heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure, but prehypertension blood pressure readings are an indication that you need to make some lifestyle adjustments that just might help you avoid developing full-blown hypertension.
The first thing that you should do is to adjust your intake of sodium.
Your doctor will likely recommend a low-salt diet, but you need to become an avid label reader.
When you read the labels on prepackaged or convenience foods, you will see a section that says "sodium.
" Sodium IS salt.
Even if the food doesn't taste salty, it can still be loaded with sodium, because sodium is used as a food preservative.
The fast food places serve nothing but food that is loaded with salt and fat, so they need to be avoided completely.
Change your diet to include fresh fruits and vegetables, fruits and vegetables that have been prepared without a lot of salt, and whole grains.
Get off your duff and start a good (but sensible) exercise program with your doctor's blessing.
You don't have to prepare for running a marathon, but you do need at least 20 minutes a day, three days a week of low-impact aerobic exercise.
Cut back on your intake of alcohol.
Overindulging will raise your blood pressure.
Cut back on your intake of caffeine, as well.
Coffee and tea are not the only things that contain caffeine.
Sodas and chocolate are loaded with the stuff...
READ the labels.