Verywell / Mayya Agapova
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Overworking your heart can result in hypertrophy, an overgrowth of muscle.
This can lead to heart failure.
Verywell / Mayya Agapova
What’s Normal?
Ideal blood pressure measurements can differ somewhat from person to person.
Measurements include:
How Long Does It Take for Blood Pressure Medication to Work?
Most blood pressure medications start working within hours and continue to gradually improve blood pressure over time.
There are lifestyle factors that can increase your blood pressureincluding obesity, a high-salt diet, and smoking.
Diet
Dietary changescan have a big impact on your blood pressure.
There are several types of diets that can help lower your blood pressure, including low-carbohydrate or Mediterranean diets.
Exercise
You don’t have to be super fit to lower your blood pressure with exercise.
In fact, even just increasing your heart rate with moderate exercise a few times a week can help.
Time frames for improvement will vary based on your blood pressure range and how much you drink daily.
Can You Mix Alcohol With Blood Pressure Medication?
Avoid drinking alcohol if you are taking blood pressure medication, particularly beta-blockers.
Cutting your sodium can even help reduce your blood pressure in as little as one week.
TheDASH dietis known for increasing your overall potassium intake.
Other conditions, like kidney disease, may not respond well to too much potassium.
Some blood pressure medications, specifically ACE inhibitors, can raise your potassium levels as well.
Getting too much potassium can lead to dangerous heart rhythm problems and even cardiac arrest.
Reducing Stress
Getting enoughsleepand managing your stress can also have a positive impact on your blood pressure.
Sleep deprivation caused a significant increase in systolic blood pressure in participants in one study.
Losing just 10 pounds is enough to help lower your blood pressure.
The kidney responds to this in ways that lead to secreting more hormones that high blood pressure.
If you already have high blood pressure, you should see a healthcare provider.
Treatment plans for high blood pressure usually focus on improving your overall health.
Summary
Both prescription medications and lifestyle changes can help lower your blood pressure.
There is no quick fix for high blood pressure, especially if you have other cardiovascular problems.
Talk to your healthcare provider early about your risks and ensure to get regular health screenings.
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