The Quickest Way to Lower High Blood Pressure

While there is no quick fix for lowering blood pressure, a variety of medications can reduce hypertension in relatively short order. The article will stress the importance of improving lifestyle habits with the long-term goal of eliminating medications.

The Silent Killer

Do you realize that you may be one of the millions of Americans who don’t realize they have high blood pressure? The American Heart Association says one in three adults in the U.S. suffer from hypertension and one third of those are unaware they have the condition. Since hypertension has no symptoms, many people ignorantly live with the potentially deadly condition for years. When left untreated, the so-called “silent killer” can cause strokes, heart attacks, heart failure or kidney failure.

Attacking High Blood Pressure

There are numerous ways to lower high blood pressure, many of which involve lifestyle changes that in the long run are the best methods to maintain not only healthy blood pressure levels but optimal overall health. But as you work to improve your nutritional intake and other lifestyle changes that can lower your blood pressure, there several medications available to speed up the process and get your numbers out of the danger zone. But keep in mind, there is no “quick fix” and in the long run a healthier lifestyle is the ultimate prescription.

Quick Response Medications

The National Institute of Health has provided a list of blood pressure medications that attack your condition in different ways. Diuretics are commonly referred to as “water pills” because they work to remove excess water and sodium from your body. Beta-blockers work to slow nerve impulses to the heart; blood pressure is reduced because the heart doesn’t have to work as hard.
ACE inhibitors are another medicinal option to lower blood pressure with relative swiftness. They work diligently to relax blood vessels, and blood pressure will naturally go down. Calcium channel blocks, or CCBs, work in a similar fashion. They prevent calcium from getting into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. The blood vessels respond by relaxing and once again blood pressure is reduced.
You may also want to consider nervous system inhibitors, which control nerve impulses; blood vessels respond by relaxing and becoming wider. This also causes a reduction in blood pressure.
Your health care provider can discuss the best medication for your case. In the meantime, there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce your blood pressure and eventually maintain an optimal level while improving your overall health.

Improve Your Eating Habits & Get Moving

Developing a healthier diet is a great way to begin. The NIH says research has proved that following a healthy eating plan can not only prevent high blood pressure but it can improve an existing condition. The “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension,” (DASH) menu includes plenty of whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts. Foods known to accelerate blood pressure levels include sweets, fats and red meats.
Another long-term solution to lowering high blood pressure is regular exercise. The NIH says physical activity is a key step to preventing or controlling hypertension. You can reap the benefits with as little as 30 minutes of exercise, such as walking at a brisk pace or biking four or five days a week.

Monitor Your Progress

As you develop a healthier lifestyle, you may eventually be able to reduce or eliminate your blood pressure medication. Don’t attempt to do this on your own. Make sure to consult with your doctor, who should be monitoring the medication’s effect on your blood pressure.