Response to reader

How to lower blood pressure (part 1)

Good Day,

I just read your article on the usefulness of aspirin and found it very informative. I wonder if you would be able to advise me on some tips for lowering blood pressure. I am cutting down on salt intake. I avoid eating processed and canned foods, and was wondering if you have any other suggestions on the subject.

Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading my article! Yes, there are several steps you can take to lower blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with healthy lifestyle changes, you can avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

Medication to lower high blood pressure should be a last resort since most drugs carry significant side effects. However, some people have dangerously high blood pressure, with other risk factors, and don't have the luxury of waiting, relying on lifestyle changes alone. Others may not be willing or able to make lifestyle changes. Medications are immediately prescribed for these people.

Know your numbers

In the same way we know our height and weight, we really should measure our blood pressure regularly since it changes. Most of us have about five quarts (5.6 litres) of blood, and every drop of blood in our body passes through the heart once per minute. This blood is under pressure as the heart forces it through the circulatory system.

Our blood pressure numbers describe the force created every time our heart beats and every time it rests between beats. Blood pressure reading of about 120 over 80 is regarded as normal. In high blood pressure, the blood pressure is persistently higher than normal. High blood pressure comes in different levels - borderline, mild, moderate and severe. When the top number is at least 140 and the bottom number is at least 90, the doctor starts thinking hypertension.

Consistently high blood pressure damages organs and increases risk of serious health problems like stroke, heart attack, kidney trouble, eye problems and impotence.

Drugs for hypertension save lives and play a significant role in quickly lowering blood pressure, thus extending life and improving quality of life. However, non-drug therapies (diet and lifestyle) are recommended as a first step in treating borderline to mild hypertension.

Dr Dahlia McDaniel is a pharmacist with a doctorate in public health. email:yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.