Tips for Lowering Your Blood Pressure

As a person ages, the chance of having high blood pressure increases. This is because when people age, their vascular systems age too. The arteries get stiffer, and this causes blood pressure to go up, even in people who live a healthy lifestyle. High blood pressure can be a big problem, though, increasing your risk of health issues that include stroke and heart attack. That’s why lowering blood pressure for seniors is something to take seriously. Being proactive can go a long way to help lower high blood pressure.

What is normal blood pressure? The American Heart Association recently made some adjustments to what’s considered high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is now defined as less than 120/80 mm Hg. So, what is high blood pressure? Blood pressure that falls between 120-129/80 mmHg is considered elevated, and 130/80 or higher is considered high blood pressure. Fortunately, knowing how to lower blood pressure is as simple as taking expert advice, following certain steps, and perhaps making some changes for a healthier lifestyle.

Losing weight can help lower your blood pressure. Different kinds of fat affect your body in different ways. Subcutaneous fat lies just under your skin, but visceral fat wraps around the organs inside your body. Having more visceral fat raises the risk of high blood pressure, along with other medical conditions. For seniors, adding an extra 15 minutes of exercise each day to their normal exercise routine can be helpful in reducing visceral fat and, by extension, the risk of high blood pressure.

Another key to losing visceral fat is a healthy diet. For those with high blood pressure, reducing sodium should be one focus of this new dietary plan. Look for ways to use healthier spices instead of salting everything. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, which contain magnesium and can help with blood pressure. Consume low-fat dairy and steer clear of processed or fried foods, opting instead for whole grains and lean proteins. Limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one or two drinks per day.

These healthy lifestyle choices can make a big difference in your blood pressure. It’s also important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider. Take any medicines exactly as they’re prescribed and keep an eye on your blood pressure numbers.

At each Cambridge Village location, we take the health of our residents very seriously. That’s why we provide opportunities to live a healthy lifestyle, with state of the art fitness centers, wellness programs, and much more. From healthy meals in a variety of dining venues to concierge healthcare tailored to each resident’s needs, we create an environment that allows our seniors to live their best lives. Schedule a visit so that you can experience all the reasons that we’re considered North Carolina’s premier Optimal Living® community for active adults. We offer an exceptional lifestyle and an engaged experience, for a retirement community that exceeds your expectations. For more information, contact us through our website.