Health Library

Health Topic

Health Type

May 3, 2024&mdash;According to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=aha">American Heart Association</a> (AHA), nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. So if you're wondering how to lower yours, you're not alone. These four tips can help lower your blood pressure, which can help reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack and other serious health threats.

1. Know your numbers. Most people should aim for readings below 120/80 mm Hg, the AHA advises. But if you haven't already, talk with your doctor about your blood pressure goals. To know if you're reaching them, you may want to <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Story.aspx?StoryId=afc19cb1-5f88-4269-ae5b-15f4e212e50a">keep track of your blood pressure at home</a>.

2. Choose sensible lifestyle changes. Doctors often advise lifestyle changes as the first step for blood pressure control. Key ones include cutting back on sodium, exercising more, eating better and trimming down. 

For changes that stick, focus on one manageable change at a time so you won't feel overwhelmed, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=apa">American Psychological Association</a> advises. Here are a few ideas:
<ul>
 <li>To cut back on sodium, taste food before you add salt. If you think it needs a flavor boost, add a dash of black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon.</li>
 <li>To move more if you rarely exercise, commit to a brief, brisk walk&mdash;say, 10 minutes&mdash;twice a week.</li>
 <li>To eat better, replace white bread with whole-grain bread.</li>
 <li>To lose weight, swap sugary soda for sparkling water with a splash of juice.</li>
</ul>

Once a change becomes a habit, move on to another doable goal. 

3. Build in some fun. Take the "work" out of workouts with a dance class&mdash;like salsa, jazz or tap. Or boost your diet with a healthy cooking class. Play tag with your kids, or sign up for a 5K walk or run with a friend. If you love the outdoors, head to a nearby park for a hike. 

And don't forget to celebrate your successes. When you drop 5 pounds or complete that 5K race, treat yourself to new workout clothes or downtime doing something you enjoy. 

4. Make medicine a priority. To get the most out of any high blood pressure medicine your doctor prescribes, you need to take it exactly as directed. If it's hard to afford your medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. There may be a cheaper, generic version. Or you may be eligible for a patient assistance program. 

Learn more about blood pressure

Check out our <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/topic.aspx?TopicID=a4fb09c1-8068-4bb1-814f-26fa8fff6d1f">High Blood Pressure</a> health topic center to find out more about controlling hypertension. 

Sources
<ul>
 <li>American Heart Association. "The Facts About High Blood Pressure." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure">https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure</a>.</li>
 <li>American Heart Association. "Five Simple Steps to Control Your Blood Pressure." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/five-simple-steps-to-control-your-blood-pressure">https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/five-simple-steps-to-control-your-blood-pressure</a>.</li>
 <li>American Heart Association. "Getting Active to Control High Blood Pressure." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/getting-active-to-control-high-blood-pressure">https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/getting-active-to-control-high-blood-pressure</a>.</li>
 <li>American Heart Association. "Managing Blood Pressure With a Heart-Healthy Diet." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-blood-pressure-with-a-heart-healthy-diet">https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-blood-pressure-with-a-heart-healthy-diet</a>.</li>
 <li>American Heart Association. "Managing High Blood Pressure Medications." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-high-blood-pressure-medications">https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-high-blood-pressure-medications</a>.</li>
 <li>American Heart Association. "Shaking the Salt Habit to Lower High Blood Pressure." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/shaking-the-salt-habit-to-lower-high-blood-pressure">https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/shaking-the-salt-habit-to-lower-high-blood-pressure</a>.</li>
 <li>American Psychological Association. "The Secret Behind Making Your New Year&rsquo;s Resolutions Last." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.apa.org/topics/behavioral-health/new-year-resolutions">https://www.apa.org/topics/behavioral-health/new-year-resolutions</a>.</li>
</ul>

How to lower your blood pressure

High blood pressure affects almost 50% of U.S. adults. Here are four ways to manage it and keep your health in check.

Newsroom

How to lower your blood pressure