What to do about high blood pressure?
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To manage high blood pressure, it's important to focus on lifestyle changes before considering medication. Here are some key recommendations from and :
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Exercise: Engage in low-intensity cardio, such as Zone 2 training, for at least 180 to 252 minutes per week. This form of exercise can significantly help in lowering blood pressure 1.
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Weight Management: Losing even modest amounts of weight, like 10 pounds, can have a positive impact on blood pressure levels 1.
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Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Ensure you're consuming a balanced diet and keeping an eye on your caloric intake 1.
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Sleep: Adequate sleep plays an essential role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Aim to improve your sleep habits as part of your overall management strategy 1.
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Regular Monitoring: Checking your blood pressure regularly, ideally outside of a doctor's office, can help you track changes more accurately, considering that "white coat hypertension" can lead to misleading readings in clinical settings 2.
Medication should be considered if lifestyle changes are insufficient. Today's medications, like ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), are generally well-tolerated 1. Always consult with healthcare professionals to tailor these strategies to your individual health needs.
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