High blood pressure , or hypertension, as its also known, may not have any noticeable symptoms, but left untreated, it can present the risk of a heart attacks or strokes.
You are at an increased risk of high blood pressure if you are overweight or obese, have a relative with high blood pressure, do not do enough exercise and drink too much alcohol.
Medications are available to keep it under control, and simple lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, reducing the amount of salt you eat and cutting back on alcohol can help.
But there are also natural and easy home remedies you can try which can help lower blood pressure, as proven in studies.
Eating potatoes can help achieve low blood pressure, according to Linda Van Horn, a professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
According to Prof Van Horn, people with high blood pressure should aim for 2,000 to 4,000mg of potassium a day – a large jacket potato averages 1500mg of potassium.
Other sources of potassium-rich foods include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, orange juice, peas, prunes and raisins.
Add in a line or two here about WHY potassium lowers BP please
Potassium lessens the effect of sodium in the body. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium you lose through urine.
It also helps to ease tension in your blood vessel walls, which helps further lower blood pressure
According to NHS guidelines, high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHG or higher.
Ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
A Harvard University study found hypertensive patients who went for power walks were able to lower their blood pressure by almost 8mmHg over 6mmHg.
The science behind it? Exercise helps the heart use oxygen more efficiently so it does not work as hard to pump blood.
A vigorous cardio workout of at least 30 minutes on most days can help lower pressure.
To find out if you have high blood pressure you should take a blood pressure test.
NHS Choices said on its website: “All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. Getting this done is easy and could save your life.”
Blood pressure can be tests at the following places:
- At your GP surgery
- At some pharmacies
- As part of your NHS Health Check
- In some workplaces
You can also check your blood pressure yourself with a home blood pressure monitor.
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