How to Lower Blood Pressure Quickly

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is more than normal such that it triggers off various health problems. In this condition, the heart becomes overworked in pumping more blood than it should, and the arteries become narrower than normal. The worse this condition becomes, the higher the blood pressure shoots.

The worse thing about hypertension is that years might pass before a person actually comes to realize that he has been suffering from this "silent killer". And by the time someone does find out, the condition becomes so severe that it may easily lead to heart attack and stroke.

In most cases, this condition has no specific cause(s), and is labeled as primary hypertension. While, there are some wherein, the cause is associated with other underlying conditions in the body. This form is known as secondary hypertension, and it tends to occur suddenly without any warning.

Before we begin, it is important to understand that there is nothing that can help lower blood pressure instantly or right away. For instance, your blood pressure elevates, you pop in something, and the next instant you are back to normal again. Come to think of it practically, it isn't possible.

Having said that, the following tips may not bring down your blood pressure in a matter of seconds or minutes, but may do so before any complications arise.

# An exercise as simple as a brisk walk for 15 - 20 minutes does a great deal in bringing down elevated levels of blood pressure. Different aerobic workouts, cardiac training, and muscular strengthening exercises also come in handy. Exercises not only do their part in reducing hypertension quickly, but also help to prevent its onset.

# The next important tip is about the benefits of deep breathing. When symptoms strike, get into the mode of taking slow deep breaths. If you are savvy with yogic practices of pranayama, then it would be a lot easier for you to manage your elevated blood pressure.

# One of the most inexpensive and safe ways to reduce hypertension is to drink lots of water. People with this condition are always advised to keep a water bottle handy. Dehydration is one of the common causes which triggers the increase of blood pressure. In order to counter this and keep the body hydrated, one must drink about 8 - 9 glasses of water daily.

# Proper regulation of heart and muscle contraction is ensured by a proper electrolyte balance. And this balance may be managed by potassium. So when you start feeling your blood pressure rising, have some celery, apple juice, bananas, beets, carrots, pears, or raisins.

This would help in lowering the pressure quickly, and in keeping it from rising any further. Other foods high in potassium include avocado, legumes, cantaloupe, oranges, salmon and sardines.

# One more method to bring down your blood pressure is to pop in a small piece of dark chocolate, if it is available at that moment. The chocolate would help in dilating the blood thus, lowering its pressure. However, as chocolate is high in calories, it must be sparingly taken.

# Garlic has always been an effective natural medicine for various medical conditions including high blood pressure. This herb works by widening blood vessels, and improving blood circulation thus, helps lower blood pressure level. Most experts recommend taking one garlic clove every morning.

# Another 'over-the-kitchen' item to manage a hypertension attack is ginger. A natural blood thinner, and blood circulation enhancer, ginger is something that can be vouched for when it comes to managing such conditions.

# It is imperative to mention cayenne pepper when we are discussing high blood pressure. Taking one teaspoon of the pepper with half a cup of lukewarm water can normalize risen blood pressure back into gear. Some even say that, this is the fastest method to manage hypertension.

And to conclude, including fruits and vegetables in your diet, religiously limiting salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity, and managing stress are some diet and lifestyle changes which may help you keep your blood pressure checked, and its complications at bay.