Health Tip: Blood Pressure Too High?

Suggestions on how to bring it down

Related Encyclopedia • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) More... Related Animations • Animation: What is Hypertension? More... Related Healthscout Videos Stopping Stroke Damage: Time is Life! Lyrics for Life: Hip Hop Artists' Lifesaving Move Anaconda: Beating a Silent Killer Chill Out Stroke Treatment More... Related News Articles • Even for the Overweight, Exercise Helps the Heart • Avoid Window Seats to Cut Risk for In-Flight Blood Clots: Study • Everyday Foods Add Up to Major Salt Problems: CDC • U.S. Found to Be Losing Ground in Life Expectancy More...

(HealthDay News) -- High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease -- so to help your heart, you should get your blood pressure under control.

Text Continues Below

---

While medications can help, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these additional suggestions to help lower your blood pressure:

• Stop using any tobacco products.
• Boost your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce your consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
• Stick to a low-fat, low-sodium diet.
• Get plenty of regular exercise.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Try relaxation techniques to reduce stress.

-- Diana Kohnle