Controlling hypertension is a full-time job. Some people expect to go to a doctor, get a pill to take every day and this will take care of the problem forever. This is not how it works. Controlling blood pressure is best achieved by use of a partnership between the hypertension sufferer and the medical community.
Exactly what types of control measures are used depends upon how severe the problem is. When first a patient is told by his/her doctor hypertension is the diagnosis, this patient is often told what should be done for the next several weeks to keep the blood pressure under control. The patient is then given another appointment to return to the doctor to see what kind of results these instructions rendered.
BP over the Long Haul
Usually, it is only after the patient is unable to get his/her BP readings to return to normal simply by following the doctor's orders that he/she is given medication. The reason for this is we usually think of BP control as a long-term proposition. In other words, anyone can have high blood pressure at any time. It is when the person has elevated readings over a long period of time that it becomes dangerous to his/her health.
So obviously, there are things one can sometimes do to control hypertension on his/her own. Of course, the patient should tell the doctor what he/she is up to. Also, the patient should return to the doctor periodically for blood pressure checks.
Diet and Exercise, of Course!
In the meantime, the hypertension sufferer should pursue a diet conducive to controlling hypertension. Such a diet would be low in salt and high in fiber. The diet should include fresh foods and should not include fast foods. Also heavy, and even in some cases moderate, alcohol use is counterproductive. While we are on the subject of vices, do I even have to mention the fact we all should avoid smoking?
Exercise is also a natural means by which one can improve his/her health. Once again, your doctor should approve of any exercise regiment you would undertake. It is important to start exercising slowly and intensify the daily routine at a very gradual rate. This is because when the body is not properly prepared for exercising, it could do more harm than good.
Many times, people think of natural blood pressure control as a regiment of vitamins and herbs. Remember herbs have as many side effects as most prescribed medications do. Therefore, it is best to avoid this type of regiment unless it is condoned by your doctor.
Exactly what types of control measures are used depends upon how severe the problem is. When first a patient is told by his/her doctor hypertension is the diagnosis, this patient is often told what should be done for the next several weeks to keep the blood pressure under control. The patient is then given another appointment to return to the doctor to see what kind of results these instructions rendered.
BP over the Long Haul
Usually, it is only after the patient is unable to get his/her BP readings to return to normal simply by following the doctor's orders that he/she is given medication. The reason for this is we usually think of BP control as a long-term proposition. In other words, anyone can have high blood pressure at any time. It is when the person has elevated readings over a long period of time that it becomes dangerous to his/her health.
So obviously, there are things one can sometimes do to control hypertension on his/her own. Of course, the patient should tell the doctor what he/she is up to. Also, the patient should return to the doctor periodically for blood pressure checks.
Diet and Exercise, of Course!
In the meantime, the hypertension sufferer should pursue a diet conducive to controlling hypertension. Such a diet would be low in salt and high in fiber. The diet should include fresh foods and should not include fast foods. Also heavy, and even in some cases moderate, alcohol use is counterproductive. While we are on the subject of vices, do I even have to mention the fact we all should avoid smoking?
Exercise is also a natural means by which one can improve his/her health. Once again, your doctor should approve of any exercise regiment you would undertake. It is important to start exercising slowly and intensify the daily routine at a very gradual rate. This is because when the body is not properly prepared for exercising, it could do more harm than good.
Many times, people think of natural blood pressure control as a regiment of vitamins and herbs. Remember herbs have as many side effects as most prescribed medications do. Therefore, it is best to avoid this type of regiment unless it is condoned by your doctor.
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