Non-Medication Treatment

Can high blood pressure be treated without taking medication?

The best way to treat high blood pressure is by making healthy lifestyle choices. Normal blood pressure is 120/80. People are said to be pre-hypertensive when blood pressure falls between normal and 139/89. A healthy lifestyle is often all that is necessary at this stage to return blood pressure to normal.

When blood pressure is higher than 140/90, medication along with a healthy life style may be required to bring blood pressure under control. As the body's condition begins to improve through exercise and healthy eating, some people are able to lower the dose of their medication and may even be able to discontinue taking it, if they are able to maintain a normal blood pressure through lifestyle changes.

Patients who suffer from diabetes, kidney disease or other illnesses that can affect the heart may require healthy lifestyle changes and medication despite blood pressure readings under 140/90.

What lifestyle choices can positively impact blood pressure?

1. Weight loss if one is overweight (Even a ten pound weight loss can significantly alter one's blood pressure)
2. Eating a healthy diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, nuts and low fat dairy products. The diet should also be low in saturated fats and salt.
3. Regular, moderate intensity, physical exercise.
4. Low alcohol consumption, less than 2 drinks per day for men and less than 1 drink per day for women
5. Smoke free environment.

How does lowering salt intake affect blood pressure?

The increased salt in our blood causes the body to retain mo

re fluid. This increases the volume of blood pressing against the blood vessel walls.

How does fat intake affect blood pressure?

Not only does a diet high in saturated fat increase body weight and the workload on the heart but it causes fatty deposits to build up in blood vessel walls. These deposits make the blood vessels smaller and harder so they cannot relax well. Sometimes these deposits can break off and block small vessels completely, causing a heart attack or stroke.

If blood pressure increases during exercise, why is exercise recommended to help lower blood pressure?

Muscles get oxygen from the blood. A higher demand for oxygen increases the demand for blood flow which temporarily raises blood pressure.

Regular exercise (particularly aerobic exercise):

• strengthens the heart muscle
• increases the body's ability to use oxygen more efficiently
• helps control weight
• decreases fatty deposits in vessel walls

Regular exercise can ultimately lower blood pressure and heart rate both during exercise and at rest. It is important to work with a health care provider when you begin an exercise program so that you begin at the appropriate level.

What is the difference between aerobic exercise and non-aerobic exercise and is one any better than the other?

Aerobic exercise is exercise that increases the body's demand for oxygen, such as walking fast, climbing stairs, running, swimming, or cycling. If weights are used for aerobic exercise, they tend to be lighter and involve more repetitions. Aerobic exercise is commonly referred to as cardio-training and studies have shown it to have a positive impact on the heart.

Non-aerobic exercise is used for strength training. Examples include lifting weights, light gymnastics, push-ups, and other forms of resistance training. Strength training generally involves higher weights with fewer repetitions.

Non-aerobic exercise is a good addition to aerobic exercise but should not replace aerobic exercise.