How to Lower High Blood Pressure

When blood circulates through the arteries, it exerts pressure on their walls, which is known as blood pressure. So high blood pressure means that the circulating blood is exerting more than the normal level of pressure, or in other words, it is pushing too hard against the arterial wall. This chronic condition is also known hypertension in medical science and is a leading cause of coronary heart diseases, heart failure, heart attack and also renal or kidney failure. The normal level of blood pressure is 120/80, where 120 refers to 'systolic' pressure, while 80 is the measure of 'diastolic' pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure exerted on the arterial wall, when the heart contracts to pump blood into the arteries, while diastolic pressure is the blood pressure, when the heart relaxes after a contraction.

Obesity, lack of physical activity or exercise, smoking, alcoholism, elevated level of renin enzyme (secreted by the kidneys), insulin resistance and sodium sensitivity are regarded as some of the important risk factors for high blood pressure. Along with them, certain diseases like kidney diseases, tumors in the adrenal gland and Cushing's syndrome, are also associated with hypertension. By now you must be wondering how to lower high blood pressure or what are some ways to lower high blood pressure. So here are some effective ways to lower or regulate the level of blood pressure.

How to Lower High Blood Pressure
There can be several ways to lower high blood pressure, ranging from medications to changes in lifestyle, dietary modifications and also the use of herbs, which are explained in the following part of this article.

Medications
There are several types of medications that are prescribed by physicians to regulate the level of blood pressure. However, none of them come without side effects and so, can give rise to many other complications if not used judiciously. ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and angiotensin II receptor antagonists are the common drugs used in the treatment of high blood pressure. In many instances alpha-blockers, beta-blockers and renin inhibitors are also used to treat high blood pressure.

Exercises to Lower High Blood Pressure
It has been concluded by many studies and researches that a sedentary or inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for many diseases including high blood pressure. Regular exercise helps control weight, lower the level of harmful LDL cholesterol, boost heart health and improve blood circulation. Aerobic exercises, swimming and cycling have been found to be very effective in lowering high blood pressure. Meditation and other relaxation techniques can be of great help in lowering the stress level, which can be an important immediate cause of a rise in blood pressure.

Diet to Lower High Blood Pressure
Dietary changes can play a significant role in managing the blood pressure levels, and such measures are also recommended by physicians along with drug therapy. Sometimes dietary modifications and lifestyle changes are suggested by many physicians before initiating medications, especially in less severe conditions. Reducing the amount of fried foods and dairy products, which are made from hydrogenated cow's milk, is very important for lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol. An ideal diet for lowering high blood pressure is the one that contains lots of fresh green vegetables and fruits and less of fried foods and sugar. Such a diet would help maintain a healthy weight and lower the risk of hypertension and many other complications. Also cut down the amount of sodium or salt intake.

Herbs to Lower High Blood Pressure
Garlic, cloves, turmeric, ginger and Ginkgo biloba are some common herbs that can reduce the level of blood pressure. But some of them can interact with hypertension medications, and should not taken without proper guidance of an expert or physician. It is also not advisable to take them in an excessive amount in an attempt to lower blood pressure rapidly.

So regular physical activity coupled with a healthy and balanced diet are some of the ways to lower high blood pressure naturally without relying too much on hypertension medications. It is also important to avoid smoking and alcohol and reduce the intake of caffeine to control high blood pressure and the associated complications.