How to decrease blood pressure?

From the Guidelines

To decrease blood pressure, lifestyle intervention consisting of weight loss if overweight or obese, a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style dietary pattern, moderation of alcohol intake, and increased physical activity is recommended. This approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, which emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications in managing hypertension 1.

Key Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight loss: For overweight or obese individuals, losing weight and maintaining a desirable BMI of 25 kg/m2 is crucial 1
• DASH-type dietary pattern: Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (8–10 servings/d), low-fat dairy products (2–3 servings/d), and reduced in saturated fat and cholesterol is beneficial 1
• Reduced salt intake: Lowering salt (sodium chloride) intake to less than 2,300 mg/day is recommended 1
• Increased potassium intake: Increasing potassium intake to 120 mmol/d (4.7 g/d) is also recommended 1
• Moderation of alcohol intake: Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than 2 servings per day in men and no more than 1 serving per day in women is advised 1
• Increased physical activity: Engaging in regular aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes per day, most days of the week, is recommended 1

Rationale

The DASH dietary pattern has been shown to substantially reduce blood pressure in both nonhypertensive and hypertensive individuals 1. Additionally, lifestyle modifications have been found to reduce cardiovascular risk, enhance antihypertensive drug efficacy, and lead to few adverse effects 1. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle is critical for the prevention and management of hypertension.

Implementation

Healthcare professionals should counsel patients on the importance of lifestyle modifications and provide guidance on implementing these changes. Regular follow-up and reinforcement are necessary to ensure long-term compliance with lifestyle changes 1. By prioritizing lifestyle intervention, individuals can effectively decrease their blood pressure and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

From the FDA Drug Label

Amlodipine besylate relaxes your blood vessels, which lets your blood flow more easily and helps lower your blood pressure. Drugs that lower blood pressure lower your risk of having a stroke or heart attack The answer to how to decrease blood pressure is to take amlodipine besylate as it lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily 2.

• Key benefits of amlodipine besylate include:
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack It is essential to follow the doctor's instructions and take the medication as prescribed.

From the Research

Methods to Decrease Blood Pressure

• The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure 3, 4, 5, 6
• The DASH diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, and low in meats and sweets 3
• Key components of the DASH diet that contribute to blood pressure reduction include:
  • High amounts of potassium, magnesium, and fiber 3
  • Limited quantities of total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium 3
• Modifications to the DASH diet, such as combining it with behavioral weight management, may enhance its blood pressure-lowering effects 7
• Lifestyle interventions, including the DASH diet, can lower calculated cardiovascular disease risk and reduce the need for antihypertensive medication 7

Key Findings

• The DASH diet has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by 3-4 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2-3 mmHg 4, 5, 6
• The blood pressure-lowering effects of the DASH diet are enhanced in individuals with higher baseline blood pressure 6
• The DASH diet may also have beneficial effects on other cardiovascular risk factors, including body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and triglyceride concentration 4, 6