Lowering your blood pressure

Some people can lower or control their blood pressure with a combination of diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes.

• Eat a diet high in fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, and low in fat, especially saturated fat. Reduce the amount of sodium in your diet.
• Be active. On most days, try to spend at least 30 minutes being active. But check with your doctor before you start any vigorous exercise.
• Try to lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Don't smoke.
• Consider stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, pilates, and meditation or prayer.

If lifestyle changes aren't enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication. Medication falls into four main groups - you may be prescribed one or a combination.

Diuretics reduce the amount of salt and water in your blood. This reduces the strain on your heart because there is a smaller volume of fluid to pump around.

Beta-blockers stop the action of the hormone adrenalin. This reduces the workload of the heart by reducing your pulse rate and blood pressure. It also limits the amount your heart rate increases when you exercise.

Calcium channel blockers prevent the movement of calcium through the muscle cells of the blood vessel walls. This causes the arteries to relax, widening the blood vessels, and reducing the pressure inside them.

ACE inhibitors block the production of angiotensin, an enzyme that narrows blood vessels. This allows the artery walls to relax and dilate, which helps reduce the pressure in your blood vessels.

All drugs can have side effects and some should not be used if you have certain conditions. Tell your doctor if you think yours have side effects. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any new medication, including herbal remedies.

Low blood pressure

If you have low blood pressure, you probably won't need to do anything about it. Though some people faint or feel tired, most people with low blood pressure don't have any associated health problems.

More help

• The Heart Foundation - www.heartfoundation.org.nz
• Find out your risk of heart attack or stroke - www.knowyournumbers.co.nz

Report by Bev Frederikson.