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The National
Blood Pressure Education Program (NBPEP) recommends these methods
to lower blood pressure:
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Exercise
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Cut back on saturated fats
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Limit alcohol and sodium
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Increase dietary potassium
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Consume recommended levels of fruits and vegetables
Many studies have shown the above tactics to be very effective
in those who have mild to moderate high blood pressure problems.
However, the emphasis should be on preventing blood pressure from
reaching alarm levels. Once a person develops high blood pressure,
he or she may be on medication for life and that means a poorer
quality of life, according to the researchers, not to mention the
increased health expenses.
Ultimately, even small decreases in blood pressure can lead to
big gains in health. Scientists estimate a very small reduction
(as small as 2 points) could save more than 70,000 lives a year.
Journal of the American Medical
Association October, 2002;288:1882-1888
National
Institute of Health October 15, 2002
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