When you visit the doctor, do you find your blood pressure always higher than normal? You may have hypertension, more commonly known as just plain ol’ high blood pressure.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects you to have hypertension, he will order your blood pressure to be monitored once a week for a few weeks. After, if he finds your elevated blood pressure to be chronic, you will most likely find yourself with the diagnosis of hypertension.

That is after you have a few more tests… which will most likely include peeing in a cup and lots of blood work. Why? Because there are two kinds of hypertension: primary and secondary.

Over 90% of all adults with chronic high blood pressure will be diagnosed with primary hypertension. This means there is no clear cause as to why you constantly experience high blood pressure.

Secondary hypertension is when high blood pressure is a result of another illness, like renal disease. Secondary hypertension is diagnosed frequently in adolescents and very rarely in adults.

What you can do to lower your blood pressure

Treating hypertension is important. If left out of check, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke or kidney failure… and even death later on. You need to take care of yourself and don’t fret. It’s pretty easy to do!

Start exercising regularly. Regularly means at least 15 minutes 3 times a week, and more is always better. Aerobic exercises in particular are great for your heart and good for lowering your blood pressure. Aerobic exercises include anything from jogging, cycling to doing 100 jumping jacks. Anything that gets your heart going is considered aerobic (or cardio) exercise.

Reducing your salt intake is easier said than done because even pre-packaged, so-called health foods are often jam-packed with sodium. Be label conscious and see just how much sodium is in the little things you eat every day. It adds up!

It may sadden you, but you’ve got to kick the habit. No more smoking. No more alcohol. Not only will you be lowering your blood pressure, but you’ll also work in preventing other disease and illness.

Eat a banana! Potassium is a key nutrient in lowering blood pressure, so next time you’re going out take one with you. They were made portable for a reason.

Enjoy a meal with some garlic. Garlic has been shown not only to help with overall heart health, but to lower blood pressure as well. If you don’t enjoy the taste of garlic or worry about garlic breath, you can take a garlic supplement instead.

Studies have also shown that Omega-3 fatty acids play an important part in heart health and in lowering blood pressure. Even the American Heart Association says so! You can find heart-healthy Omega-3s in the form of fish, seeds, nuts and supplements.

–Magdalena

Do you have a home remedy for hypertension? Comment and tell us about it!

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