Approximately one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, yet only around 60% have been diagnosed and, of those, just 30% have their blood pressure adequately controlled.
While there are many effective medications available to lower blood pressure, more of us are looking at ways we can take an active role in managing our own health. So, what lifestyle changes can we make to help lower our blood pressure?
1. Reduce Salt and Increase Potassium
The most important change that that we can make is to reduce salt in our diet. Reducing salt intake can help lower blood pressure. This might mean avoiding adding extra salt at home and cutting back on restaurant and takeaway meals, which can often contain higher levels of salt.
Increasing the amount of potassium in your diet may also help. Potassium-rich foods include fruit, vegetables and beans, with foods such as bananas and avocados providing particularly good sources.
2. Move More
Try to be as active as possible, aiming for around 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day. For exercise to be effective, it should raise your heart rate and leave you feeling warm and slightly out of breath. It’s important to build up your activity gradually and stretch after exercising to help reduce the risk of injury.
3. Aim for a Healthy Weight
If you’re concerned about your blood pressure or would like further advice, book a consultation with Dr Adam Simon or one of our GPs. Please call 0161 428 4464 or email: info@privategpextra.com
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