Approximately one in three people in the U.S. have high blood pressure (or hypertension), that can lead to stroke, heart attack, or kidney disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with high blood pressure may have no symptoms. You may feel fine and not be aware that high blood pressure is damaging your arteries, heart and other organs. This is why high blood pressure is sometimes called “The Silent Killer.”

Because high blood pressure is such a dangerous condition, it’s vital to follow your physician’s course of treatment. This can include a variety of prescriptions and over the counter products, but also requires special attention to diet, sleeping habits, and of course, exercise.

The key is consistency. Get a plan from a doctor to manage your blood pressure, and stick to it.

In addition to your doctor’s recommendations, here are some ways to lower your blood pressure:

• Eat healthy foods.
• Eat foods that are low in sodium
• Stay active
• Lose weight
• Quit smoking

For more information about high blood pressure, visit these websites:
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services