Five Tips for Getting Blood Pressure Under Control

High blood pressure is one of the most common chronic health conditions. Hypertension, the medical term for high blood pressure, is a condition where the pressure of the blood against artery walls is too high. It can lead to health issues like heart attacks and strokes.

Hypertension is concerning as there are rarely symptoms. Some people experience headaches and shortness of breath, but some never know until they have their blood pressure checked. It’s important to have your blood pressure checked at the doctor’s office at least once a year. You could invest in a blood pressure cuff and test it at home, too.

If one of your parents has high blood pressure, it’s important to get it under control. These are the five most recommended methods for getting blood pressure under control.
Home Health Care Ventura CA - Five Tips for Getting Blood Pressure Under Control

Home Health Care Ventura CA – Five Tips for Getting Blood Pressure Under Control

Daily Exercise

Every day, it’s recommended that adults and children get at least 30 minutes of exercise. The exercises should be mixed up throughout the week. Walking is one way to work out, but the walk must be a steady pace. Strength training, swimming, Yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, and bicycling are other fitness programs your parents should ask their doctor about.

A Low-Salt Diet

A low-salt diet is one way to lower blood pressure. You should ask your mom or dad’s doctor if the DASH diet is recommended. The current recommendation for daily sodium intake is one teaspoon of salt. The American Heart Association feels that it’s better to limit that even further and stick to a little over half a teaspoon.

The DASH diet is one that experts lean towards when hypertension has been diagnosed. The DASH acronym stands for the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. It’s a diet that focuses heavily on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. It also looks carefully at qualifying food choices that are rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

De-Stress

Lowering stress may help reduce blood pressure. Taking a few times each day to stop, meditate, and relax is beneficial. To do this, your mom or dad may want to sit in a quiet room, keep the eyes closed, and focus on deep relaxing breathing patterns. This aids with the release of anti-stress hormones like oxytocin and cortisol.

Potassium

Potassium balances the effects of salt on your blood vessels by helping the kidneys flush excess extra sodium through the urine. Foods that are rich in potassium include avocados, fat-free yogurt, leafy green vegetables, oranges, tomatoes, and tuna.

Lose Weight

Weight loss also reduces blood pressure. Your mom or dad needs to focus on a healthier diet and exercise plan that helps them shed extra pounds.

Home health care aides help seniors manage their medications, keep track of doctor’s appointments, and make nutritious meals. Does that sound like something that would benefit your mom or dad? One call to our home health care agency helps you understand the available services, discover pricing for caregivers, and make arrangements.

Sources:  https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care Services in Ventura CA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hearts Home Care today. Proudly Serving the Los Angeles & Ventura County. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (805) 371-0033, (818) 593-0094.