High Blood Pressure

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HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Doctor's aren't sure what causes blood pressure to increase above 140/90 mmHg, considered a healthy upper limit. Diseases affecting the kidneys, adrenals or other glands can occasionally raise blood pressure - a condition that doctors call secondary high blood pressure.

The Nondrug Route

Drop extra pounds

People who lose a considerable amount of weight-say 20 or 30 pounds-can sometimes bring their blood pressure down. It decreases the amount of insulin you produce, which can sometimes be a factor in triggering high blood pressure.

Work fruit, beans and potatoes into the menu

Loading up on potassium-rich fruits and vegetables is an important part of ant blood pressure-lowering program. Aim for potassium levels of 2,000 to 4,000 milligrams a day.

Work that body

Aerobic exercise-activities that use your major muscles and raise your heart rate, like biking, running and swimming-also seems to bring down blood pressure, perhaps by keeping your blood vessels more flexible.

Use salt judiciously

In most people, eating salt does not increase the risk of high blood pressure. Keep daily salt to no more than one teaspoon-or its equivalent in sodium from food.

Take calcium supplements

Although not all doctorsagree, some research suggests that calcium is an important nutrient in keeping blood pressure levels healthy.

Trash tobacco

For those just starting, the powerful chemicals in inhaled cigarette smoke prompt blood vessel walls to constrict temporarily, increasing pressure on blood coursing through the arteries.

Save alcohol for special occasions

Drinking alcohol in excess tends to raise blood pressure. If you enjoy drinking, limiting yourself to two glasses of wine or bottles of beer a day at the most. And if you don't drink, don't start.