Controlling Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls as it circulates through your body. Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can cause health problems if it stays high for a long time. Having high blood pressure raises your risk for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the United States. Some health conditions, as well as lifestyle and genetic factors, can put people at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. It is important to take steps to lower your blood pressure.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating healthfully, including lots of fruits and veggies to help keep your blood pressure down. Download the Half My Plate App
- Avoid sodium by limiting the amount of salt you add to your food. Be aware that many processed foods and restaurant meals are high in sodium.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can raise your blood pressure. Losing weight can help you lower your blood pressure.
- Be physically active. Physical activity can help lower blood pressure. Engage in at least 150 minutes a week of activity. Join the Walk Around NV program
- Don’t smoke. Smoking injures blood vessels and speeds up the hardening of the arteries. Quitting will lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Resources to Quit Smoking.
- Limit alcohol use. Drinking too much alcohol is associated with high blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, you should do so in moderation- no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.
There are things you can do to help control your blood pressure:
