Lower Your Blood Pressure Right Now For Dot Physical: 2020
Taking your DOT physical can be nerve wracking. Especially if you have high blood pressure.
The following guide is merely a collection of tips and tricks drivers have used to help them lower their blood pressure temporarily as well as for the long term
We are not medical professionals and we suggest that if you have high blood pressure, that you take it seriously and work adamantly to lower it in the long run for overall safety while you are on the road. A visit to your doctor is the best way to get advice on how to lower blood pressure. None of the tips to lower blood pressure here are a guarantee and should be treated as such.
Ways To Reduce Stress And Keep Blood Pressure Down
When it comes to preventing and treating high blood pressure, one often-overlooked strategy is managing stress. If you often find yourself tense and on-edge, try these seven ways to reduce stress.
Reduce Your Sodium Intake
Itâs a prime offender in raising blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that people with hypertension keep it under 1,500 milligrams a day. Check your food labels to see how much youâre getting. If you cut back gradually, youâre less likely to notice the difference. Limiting sodium to just 2,400 milligrams per day can lower your number 2 to 8 points.
One way to cut back is to prepare your food at home. Seventy-five percent of your sodium intake comes from eating out and packaged foods. Use more spices for flavor instead of salt. Eating more potassium helps move sodium out of your body. A small effort can bring blood pressure down as much as two to eight points.
Ways to cut out sneaky salt and add healthy flavor:
- Read labels. Look for “salt,” “sodium,” “sea salt,” and “kosher salt.”
- Rinse salty canned food such as beans or tuna before using it.
- Substitute herbs and spices for sodium and salt when cooking.
- Avoid instant or flavored side dishes, which usually have a lot of added sodium. Instead, try cooking plain rice, pasta, or grains without adding salt. You can add other flavorings or a bit of salt when you serve them.
- Look for “low sodium” on food labels.
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What Can I Eat To Lower My Blood Pressure
Theres actually a specific diet designed for heart health called the DASH Diet. It stands for dietary approaches to stop hypertension and was developed by the National Institutes of Health. Following the DASH Diet can lower blood pressure just as effectively as taking a pill, Dr. Osborne says. It highlights foods that are high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, while limiting salt and sodium intake. Heres some of what youll eat on the diet.
- Fruit
- Kefir
- Dark chocolate in moderation
Some of the biggest things to eliminate are excess sodium , processed foods, sugar, condiments , bread, and cheese.
Apple cider vinegar has long been touted as a remedy for high blood pressure, but Dr. Osborne notes that no comprehensive clinical trial has been able to determine how effective it actually is. That being said, hes not against patients trying itif you find that taking apple cider vinegar every day keeps your blood pressure low, then keep doing it. Same for alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as long as youre having them in moderation.
People that drink modestly, so one to two drinks, may actually see a modest effect on cardiovascular events and may see modestly lower blood pressure, Dr. Osborne explains. However, if you drink anything more than that, it clearly elevates blood pressure.
You Can Fight High Blood Pressure
While heart disease is still the No. 1 killer in the United States and around the world, death rates have decreased significantly. Earlier and better treatment of high blood pressure has played a key role in that decrease.
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.
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How Can I Prevent High Blood Pressure
You can help prevent high blood pressure by having a healthy lifestyle. This means:
If you already have high blood pressure, it is important to prevent it from getting worse or causing complications. You should get regular medical care and follow your prescribed treatment plan. Your plan will include healthy lifestyle habit recommendations and possibly medicines.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Eat More Foods High In Magnesium
A small study in the International Journal of Hypertension found magnesium supplementation can reduce blood pressure in small amountsNguyen H, Odelola OA, Rangaswami J, Amanullah A. A Review of Nutritional Factors in Hypertension Management. International Journal of Hypertension. 2013 698940. . Talk to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, especially if you have kidney disease. You can also safely incorporate high-magnesium foods into your diet. Dr. Desai recommends foods like leafy green vegetables and unsalted almonds.
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How To Read Your Blood Pressure
Blood pressure readings have two numbers: a systolic pressure and a diastolic pressure, given in units of milligrams of mercury .
The higher number is the systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure generated by the heart pumping blood through the arteries. The lower number is the diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries while the heart is relaxing.
A normal blood pressure is less than 120 systolic over less than 80 diastolic. A systolic blood pressure in the 120s is considered elevated, even with a normal diastolic reading.
Hypertension is diagnosed with systolic reading 130 or higher, or a diastolic reading 80 or higher.
| Blood Pressure Categories | |
|---|---|
| > /=130 | > /=90 |
Both systolic and diastolic measurements are important when considering your heart’s health. A high systolic reading is the most common form of high blood pressure, especially in older people, due to arteries stiffening over time.
Relax In Savasana Posture
Savasana is a modified yoga pose that can help to reduce the heartbeat rate and reduce blood pressure significantly. This method doesnt require you to do too much.
Just lie on your back, close your eyes and try to relax each muscle on your body. Resting in this position for about 10-15 minutes will help you feel better. Besides reducing your blood pressure, the Savasana posture will also help balance your nervous system. This yoga is regarded as one of the best ways to lower blood pressure quickly.
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Nix Your Nicotine Addiction
Each cigarette you smoke temporarily raises blood pressure for several minutes after you finish. If youre a heavy smoker, your blood pressure can stay elevated for extended periods of time.
People with high blood pressure who smoke are at greater risk for developing dangerously high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
Even secondhand smoke can put you at increased risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
Aside from providing numerous other health benefits, quitting smoking can help your blood pressure return to normal. Visit our smoking cessation center to take steps to quit today.
Drinking a glass of red wine with your dinner is perfectly fine. It might even offer heart-health benefits when done in moderation.
But drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to lots of health issues, including high blood pressure.
Excessive drinking can also reduce the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications.
What does drinking in moderation mean? The AHA recommends that men limit their consumption to two alcoholic drinks per day. Women should limit their intake to one alcoholic drink per day.
One drink equals:
Eat Garlic Or Take Garlic Extract Supplements
Fresh garlic or garlic extract are both widely used to lower blood pressure.
A meta-analysis found that for people with high blood pressure, garlic supplements reduced their systolic blood pressure by up to about 5 mm Hg and reduced their diastolic blood pressure as much as 2.5 mm Hg .
According to a 2009 clinical study, a time-release garlic extract preparation may have a greater effect on blood pressure than regular garlic powder tablets .
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This Pose Is An Easy One And Shares A Similarity With Vajrasana Though Slightly Different
This pose regulates blood circulation throughout the body and thus controls the blood pressure.
Performing Virasana
- Kneel down and extend the spine.
- With knees kept together, and the feet apart, rest your back on the floor.
- While taking in deep breaths , exhale , with your hands kept rested on the thighs.
Eat Some Dark Chocolate
Yes, chocolate lovers: Dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure.
But the dark chocolate should be 60 to 70 percent cacao. A review of studies on dark chocolate has found that eating one to two squares of dark chocolate per day may help lower the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and inflammation.
The benefits are thought to come from the flavonoids present in chocolate with more cocoa solids. The flavonoids help dilate, or widen, your blood vessels .
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What Risks Are Increased By High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure also puts you at higher risk of complications such as nerve and eye damage.
What Should You Do If You Test Positive For Covid
If you have high blood pressure and test positive for COVID-19, take the following five steps:
- Self-isolate. Stay home. Only leave to seek medical care. If there are others in your household, try to use a separate bedroom and bathroom. Wear a face covering if you must be around others.
- Get in touch with your doctor for a consultation. Many doctors are offering telehealth appointments in lieu of in-person appointments during the pandemic.
- Get guidance. Let your doctor know about your positive test result and any symptoms youre experiencing. Theyll advise you on your blood pressure medications and how to take care of yourself while you recover.
- Care for yourself. Follow all of your doctors instructions as you recover. In addition to taking your medications, its important to continue to follow their guidance for things like diet and exercise as well.
- Monitor symptoms. Keep track of your symptoms. Dont hesitate to seek emergency treatment if they begin to get worse.
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Ten Minutes Of Brisk Or Moderate Walking Three Times A Day
Exercise lowers blood pressure by reducing blood vessel stiffness so blood can flow more easily. The effects of exercise are most noticeable during and immediately after a workout. Lowered blood pressure can be most significant right after you work out.
So, health professionals theorize, the ideal way to combat high blood pressure might be to break up your workout into several sessions throughout the day. In fact, one study found that three 10-minute walks a day more effectively prevented future blood pressure spikes than one 30-minute trek per day.
Ways To Lower High Blood Pressure Immediately
The encouraging data on high blood pressure , is that you can lower your elevated levels through a number of simple everyday lifestyle changes. These adjustments can reduce your measurement numbers and cut risks without the need for medications. We’ll discuss nine effective measures on the following slides.
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What Is Good Blood Pressure
A good, normal blood pressure readingtaken while seated, with a blood pressure cuffshould be 120/80. The first number is the systolic blood pressure , and the second is the diastolic blood pressure . Anything over that is either considered elevated or high.
Those numbers apply across the board for adults over the age of 18, Dr. Osborne says. He notes that decades ago, good blood pressure numbers varied based on age, limits some people still cling to today. But in actuality, its all standardized to 120/80.
The vast majority of hypertension out there is in adults, he says. Its independent of age. It doesnt matter whether youre 21 or 81. The numbers are the same.
For adults, that is. For kids, its a little different. Blood pressure numbers are based on population and age, and are generally lower than with adults. Theres not a standardized set of guidelines for children, but certainly if you come across a kid that repeatedly has blood pressures that would be high according to the adult category, its high, Dr. Osborne explains.
Can High Blood Pressure Be Prevented Or Avoided
If your high blood pressure is caused by lifestyle factors, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
- Lose weight.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption.
- Learn relaxation methods.
If your high blood pressure is caused by disease or the medicine you take, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to prescribe a different medicine. Additionally, treating any underlying disease can help reduce your high blood pressure.
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Get Enough Sleep Each Night
Although sleep may not directly lower a persons blood pressure, it is vital for physical health and mental wellbeing. A lack of good quality sleep can increase the risk of chronic health conditions, some of which may increase a persons blood pressure.
The exact amount of sleep a person needs will vary from person to person. However, adults should be aiming to get between 79 hours of good quality sleep each night.
Effective Yoga Poses To Reduce Blood Pressure
Are you tired of facing the pressures of your day-to-day worklife? Do you feel overburdened by the responsibilities and the daily stress of your hectic routine? Keeping in mind the stressful routine faced by you regularly, it becomes an essential factor to keep a check on the blood pressure and keep it under control as this may threaten a stroke or cardiac related issues. And besides medicines, natural therapies such as going for walks , and the practice of pranayama and yoga can help in keeping blood pressure under control.
Causes of high blood pressure
The exact reasons behind the cause of high blood pressure are yet not determined, however there are many common factors that may contribute to it such as :
- Smoking habits of individuals
- Increased intake of salt in ones diet
- Excessive intake of alcohol
- Old age
- Genetics that run within the family
- Kidney disease
High blood pressure What research states
High blood pressure has a tendency of running in the families with men being more prone to it as compared to women. The age and race too are contributory factors. It is more likely to prevail in blacks than whites in the US. After having crossed the age of 65, the highest tendency of high blood pressure is more prevalent among black women.
How Can Yoga Help in Reducing High Blood Pressure?
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Diet For Lowering Blood Pressure
The most powerful lifestyle change to lower blood pressure is implementing a healthy diet. Making changes to your diet can lower your systolic blood pressure by up to 11 points.
The American Heart Association recommends the DASH diet to help lower blood pressure. The DASH diet is low in salt, added sugars, and red and processed meats.
Some additional diet guidance includes:
- Focus on eating colorful fruits and vegetables, since their high potassium content can help lower blood pressure.
- Choose whole grains whenever possible, and limit white flours such as those found in white bread and pasta.
- Avoid drinking sweetened drinks like juice and soda, and watch for salt in processed foods and canned items.
- Limit intake of saturated fat by choosing lean meats like skinless chicken and turkey.
- Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy items.
When To Seek Professional Treatment
You should see your doctor regularly for health screenings as part of a good preventive care program. If you are doing this, your healthcare provider can see trends developing with your blood pressure and other health factors and give you advice on how to head off serious problems.
If you don’t regularly see a doctor and have a onetime high blood pressure reading, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for follow-upespecially if you are experiencing symptoms like chest pain or dizziness.
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