Lowering Your Blood Pressure: The Options

The Basic Types of Blood Pressure Medications

2012-01-10T13:37:59Z

Although there are many ways to treat hypertension, pharmaceutical blood pressure medications tend to work the best. But medical science being the complicated mess it is, most of us have only a hazy idea of how our meds work.

In this article, we'll take a look at the basic specs on the six most common classes.

The Relationship Between Blood Pressure and BMI

2011-12-13T15:39:55Z

Once you understand the basic causes of hypertension, the relationship between blood pressure and BMI, or body mass index, becomes fairly obvious. This is because BMI is one of the key measures for determining obesity. And like it or not, obesity -- simply being overweight, as most Americans are -- is one of the prime risk factors for hypertension.

Lower Your Blood Pressure With Biofeedback

2011-11-08T17:09:55Z

Recently, a process called biofeedback has become popular for the non-medical treatment of high blood pressure. You've probably heard of it before, in other contexts. Though it may smack to some of crystal energy and other New Age sensibilities, it does seem to work for many of the people who try it.

Now, a caveat before we get started: please understand, we're not saying that you should go off your meds in favor of biofeedback. But as a supplement to your standard hypertension treatment, at the very worst it can't hurt -- and we honestly think it can help.

Two Simple Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

2011-10-11T16:06:34Z

Did you know that you can lower your blood pressure by getting a good night's sleep, or by meditating?

If you're like most of us, you already take medication for your hypertension, and that's a good thing. Pharmacology seems to work best for high blood pressure, so do keep taking your meds.

That said, it never hurts to help them along a little, especially when doing a few simple things can push your BP down a few points. So let's take a closer look at taking it easy.

The Relationship Between Blood Pressure and Exercise

2011-09-13T15:47:18Z

You probably won't be shocked to learn that there's a direct and positive correlation between lower blood pressure and exercise. After all, your doctor surely told you to take better care of yourself when you learned about your hypertension, and part of that is dieting and a more active lifestyle.

Of course, exercise is good for you only up to a point; as a hypertensive individual, you don't want to get your heart pumping too hard. But the good news is, even minor household tasks can help you keep your blood pressure down.

Other Cardiovascular Benefits of Blood Pressure Medications

2011-08-09T19:02:49Z

Let's face it: if you take blood pressure medications, it's because you've got a serious cardiovascular problem. Oh, it's a common one, but no less dangerous for all that. Obviously, then, medicines that lower your BP are good for your heart.

But you may be interested to learn that they're even better for your heart than you previously thought.

Hypertension in Children: What You Should Know

2011-07-12T16:19:29Z

Hypertension in children, also referred to as pediatric hypertension, is a bit different from the adult version of the condition -- but it's just as dangerous. As many as 2-5% of American children meet the criteria for high blood pressure, mostly due to the creeping childhood obesity epidemic.

Your Blood Pressure Target: Lower Isn't Always Better

2011-06-14T16:44:22Z

For those of us with high BP, working toward a lower blood pressure target is part of our daily struggle toward health. It's always a happy day when you can record a substantial decrease in BP, especially when it starts to edge into the standard range. Goodbye, hypertension! You're on your way!

Now, you'd think that the further down into the standard range you can get your BP, the better off you'd be -- but a recent study suggests it just ain't so.

Heart Healthy Henry here to tell you why, and what you should aim for instead.

High Blood Pressure and Menopause - What's the Connection?

2011-05-17T19:10:23Z

For many years, the scientific community believed women were safe from high blood pressure, heart attacks, and heart disease in general. Doctors and researchers now realize this isn't true. After menopause, women are at risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. Learn why and what you can do about it.

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy - What Are the Risks?

2011-03-10T17:46:39Z

High blood pressure occurs anytime your blood pressure reading is consistently higher than 140/90. And while this condition is dangerous, it can be especially dangerous if you have high blood pressure during pregnancy. Learn the causes and dangers of gestational hypertension and what you can do to control it for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Pulmonary Hypertension - The Misunderstood Form of High Blood Pressure

2011-02-10T17:40:03Z

High blood pressure comes in many different forms with just as many different causes. A misunderstood form of high blood pressure is pulmonary hypertension. This condition causes blood pressure to be dangerously high in the arteries of your lung and makes the right side of your heart work harder. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for pulmonary high blood pressure and improve your health.

Lower Your Blood Pressure without Blood Pressure Medication

2010-12-02T08:00:00Z

Would you like to lower your blood pressure without blood pressure medication? Blood pressure medication plays a vital part in lowering blood pressure. But with daily reports released about the harmful side effects, do you worry that your medication might not be safe, and do you worry about blood pressure medication side effects?

Lower Your Blood Pressure with a Little Sunshine

2010-11-04T07:00:00Z

Did you know that blood pressure is higher in winter than summer months? It's true. According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, high blood pressure is associated with low levels of Vitamin D.(1) Learn how you can use a little bit of sunshine and Vitamin D to lower your blood pressure naturally.

High Blood Pressure? Lower Blood Pressure Naturally with This Ingredient

2010-10-20T07:00:00Z

Worried about high blood pressure -- many people are. High blood pressure is a warning sign of cardiovascular disease and with hundreds of thousands of Americans dying from heart disease each year, this is a big concern. If you're looking for ways to return to normal blood pressure or to prevent having high blood pressure in the first place, you may be interested in this natural method of controlling it.

Lower Your Blood Pressure with These 4 Foods

2010-10-15T07:00:00Z

Did you know if you suffer from high blood pressure there are foods you can eat that help lower it naturally? Researchers now know that diet plays an important part in keeping blood pressure normal. While you mainly hear about foods you should avoid, studies have pinpointed 4 foods that help you lower your blood pressure.