High blood pressure, or hypertension, is called the “silent killer” for good reason. It often has no symptoms, but is a major risk for heart disease and stroke.Your blood pressure depends on how much blood your heart is pumping, and how much resistance there is to blood flow in your arteries. The narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.The good news about elevated blood pressure is that lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your numbers and lower your risk — without requiring medications
1. Increase your average step count and exercise daily. It could even be brisk walk or yoga.
2. Lose weight if you are overweight. Obesity is one of the major reasons of high blood pressure
3.Eat more potassium rich foods and less sodium rich foods.
4. Avoid packaged, processed and frozen food items. Include more vegetables and fruits in your diet.
5. Quit smoking. Smoking causes an immediate but temporary increase in your blood pressure and an increase in your heart rate
6. Make sure to get good, restful sleep. Your blood pressure typically dips down when you’re sleeping. If you don’t sleep well, it can affect your blood pressure. People who experience sleep deprivation have an increased risk of high blood pressure.
7. Drink less alcohol. Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure. In fact, alcohol is linked to 16% of high blood pressure cases around the world
8. Stay well hydrated. Make sure you drink at least 2-3 liters of water everyday