Many people know that high blood pressure can be undesirable, but few realize that low blood pressure can cause problems too.
True, the majority of serious conditions including stroke and kidney damage can be caused by uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure.
But some medications or lifestyle changes can cause pressure that is too low, resulting in dizziness and even fainting.
The following tips will help maintain an ideal blood pressure: First, consider total lifestyle.
Even minor habits, such as drinking too many cups of coffee a day, can raise blood pressure.
For someone who has low to normal pressure readings, this may be no big deal.
But if readings are high, caffeine can be a problem, even in small amounts.
Add obesity and a sedentary lifestyle to the mix and you could raise the risk factors.
This is why the entire lifestyle has to be examined.
If possible, try carrying around a small notebook.
It can be invaluable in providing clues to pressure changes, whether they are on the high or low side.
Start in the morning and (if possible) take your blood pressure.
Ideally, it should be low.
If not, consider whether you woke up feeling relaxed or stressed.
For the rest of the day, record every activity, meal and even the way you feel from moment to moment.
This can help clue you in to the factors affecting your pressure level.
By sharing this journal with a doctor or health care practitioner, the days where pressure was high (or low) may be connected to specific factors, including too much coffee or a stressful board meeting.
Next, record every single medication, herbal supplement and nutritional aids you eat or drink.
Some foods and drinks and medications can raise blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Salt can also be a problem so if a food tastes particularly salty, be sure to note that.
Again, a doctor will be able to focus on problem medications.
Some of them may be a surprise.
Some decongestants can also raise pressure to dangerous levels and many people aren't aware of this.
Talk to your doctor about how to start an exercise program that can keep your pressure at healthy levels.
If high blood pressure is not yet under control, find out if exercise will be a safety issue.
In general, regular exercise and a healthy diet help take off the pounds while lowering blood pressure.
This keeps blood pulsing through the veins without putting undue stress on the walls of the veins and arteries.
Anyone who has experienced a sudden shock or been momentarily surprised or frightened knows how it feels when adrenaline starts coursing through the body.
The same reaction can occur when a person is under too much stress, raising pressure.
If working in a high paced environment, make sure to balance things out by taking time for a relaxing activity.
For some, that may be a warm (not hot) shower or bath.
For others, yoga, meditation and exercise can help to take the mind off problems.
If you find it hard to make time for exercise or don't consider it important, consider it as important to your health as brushing or flossing your teeth.
Make it a habit.
Some people like to "fool" themselves into an exercise routine by working out for 15 minutes and adding 5 minutes per day.
Before long, exercise has become a regular pattern and high blood pressure is a thing of the past.
Find out if medication is necessary but aim to work towards lifestyle changes which can eventually reduce or eliminate the need for medication.
Not all patients with high blood pressure can get rid of meds but many can lose weight, eat right and reduce their level of medications.
Natural changes are best for the body.
Take a long, close look at diet and meal plans.
Some fad diets contain unhealthy foods which can lower weight but raise pressure.
Caffeine may also be a problem but decaffeinated alternatives exist.
Some people can handle tea but not coffee.
If salty foods are an acquired taste, consider switching to salt substitutes.
Consider working with a nutritionist who may be able to help include a few favorite treats while focusing on dietary changes that keep blood pressure under control.
Aim for a lifestyle where blood pressure doesn't hit high peaks or low valleys.
Ideally, pressure should stay in the desired range throughout the day.
It may take working with a personal trainer for an exercise plan, a nutritionist to find a good daily diet and a doctor to monitor the results of the program and adjust medications.
To maintain the right pressure, one's entire lifestyle is very important and no factor, however small, should be left out.