It may not be possible for a person to lower their blood pressure immediately. However, by changing certain behavioral habits, they may be able to keep their blood pressure down and avoid blood pressure spikes.
About
People with high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common cause of heart disease, which is responsible for
It can also increase the risk of other complications, such as stroke.
This article outlines the measures that may help a person lower their blood pressure. It then provides information on how to obtain a blood pressure reading and explains the risks of having high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a chronic, ongoing problem for which there is no immediate fix. However, certain behaviors right before a blood pressure reading may affect the reading, causing it to be higher than it would be otherwise.
A person may be able to obtain an accurate, and possibly lower, blood pressure reading by taking
Learn more about how to take blood pressure readings at home.
A nutritious, balanced diet can help a person lower their blood pressure significantly, often without the need for medication. People can try:
Certain supplements may help a person lower their blood pressure.
For example, a 2016 review found that taking potassium supplements may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
However, a person should talk with a doctor before trying any new herbal remedy or supplement. They should also only use supplements alongside behavioral changes to get the best results.
Learn about the best supplements for lowering blood pressure.
As well as making dietary changes, a person can consider their beverage choices, which may also contribute to their blood pressure readings.
Caffeine can temporarily
Reducing caffeine intake, or eliminating it, may help a person improve their blood pressure readings.
Chronic alcohol consumption, especially at heavy levels, can elevate blood pressure, cause weight gain, and increase a person’s risk of heart disease.
A 2017 meta-analysis found that people who drank more than six alcoholic drinks per day had the greatest reduction in blood pressure if they reduced this intake by 50% or more.
Blood pressure medication, such as beta-blockers or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, will help a person lower and maintain their blood pressure. However, a person should always take their medication according to their doctor’s instructions.
Medication may be a good option for people whose blood pressure does not respond to other interventions.
It can also help a person bring their blood pressure into a healthy range while they work on other strategies, such as exercising more, to lower blood pressure over the long term.
Learn about blood pressure medications.
Stress temporarily raises blood pressure. For this reason, a person who feels anxious at the doctor’s office may have a higher blood pressure reading, which is known as white coat syndrome. Chronic stress can also cause persistently high blood pressure.
Techniques to help a person relieve their stress can also help them manage blood pressure.
Some strategies might include:
A
Learn about different types of meditation.
Adopting certain behavioral habits can both prevent and treat high blood pressure.
The
According to the
Before taking a reading, the person should ensure that they have emptied the bladder, adopted a comfortable position, and rested for 3–5 minutes after moving around.
When taking the reading, tips include:
The cuff should include instructions on how to take the reading. It is important to note that although the cuff should be snug, it should not be painful and should not cover the elbow.
Once a person has the reading, they should write it down. They should then wait 2–3 minutes and take another reading on the same arm.
For many people with heart disease, high blood pressure is the first sign. The
High blood pressure causes the blood to pump through the blood vessels with more force than is necessary. Sometimes, this is due to underlying disease in the arteries, which is itself a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
High blood pressure can also damage the heart and blood vessels over time, as well as affecting other organs, including the brain and
Some risks of high blood pressure include:
Learn about the different blood pressure ranges.
High blood pressure can lead to potentially deadly complications.
Anyone who is using a blood pressure monitor to take readings at home should ensure that they are using it correctly.
It is possible to lower blood pressure, especially in the early stages of elevation, when behavioral strategies may correct the problem.
A doctor can offer advice on the most effective ways to manage blood pressure.
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Last medically reviewed on April 21, 2021
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