Tips for a Healthy Blood Pressure

Diet

Diet alone has a huge impact on blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphases reductions in salt and saturated fats, both of which independently reduce blood pressure. Fish and white meat like chicken are examples of foods low in saturated fats. Pork, beef, egg yolk and butter are examples of foods high in saturated fats.

Take your prescribed medication regularly

The purpose of hypertension medication is to maintain smooth control of the BP with little side effects and minimal disruption to the patient’s daily life. It’s not a one-size-fits-all method and doctors will order the optimum combination of drugs to deliver maximum benefit for the individual patient.

Exercise and keep fit

A simple and drug-free approach to controlling hypertension is to engage in moderate-intensity physical activity two to three times a week. Exercise programmes that involve endurance activities such as walking, jogging, cycling and swimming, coupled with resistance training can vastly improve BP levels and reduce obesity.

Stay away from smoking

This is dangerous if you have hypertension. Smoking can acutely raise BP levels and eventually cause serious conditions like heart diseases. If you have problems quitting, seek medical advice.

Article contributed by Dr Stephen Chew, an accredited doctor of Mount Alvernia Hospital.

Note : Please note that health information is provided to supplement the care provided by your doctor. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.   Always seek the advice of your physician if you have any questions regarding a medical condition.