High blood pressure is pretty much a symptomless condition, but one with potentially serious consequences. Left untreated, it can cause damage to your heart, raise your risk of heart attack and stroke, and lead to kidney failure, among other complications. Lifestyle changes are essential to managing the condition. Here are some ways to keep it under control:
• Watch the scale. If you're overweight, losing even 5 pounds can lower your blood pressure. And a new study suggests that the opposite may also be true: Scientists found that normal-weight adults who gained as little as 5 pounds over the course of eight weeks saw a rise in blood pressure.
• Eat yogurt. Preliminary research suggests that probiotics found in certain yogurts and supplements may modestly reduce blood pressure. More studies are needed to confirm the beneficial effects of these "good bacteria," but we do know that you can help control blood pressure by focusing your diet on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy; cutting down saturated fat; and limiting sodium to less than 1,500 mg a day, reports the American Heart Association.
• Get active. Regular exercise can not only lower blood pressure but also help manage your weight, strengthen your heart and reduce stress.
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