High-Blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure. Here are five things you can do to «Take the Pressure Off.»
1. Take Medications as Prescribed
Your doctor may prescribe blood pressure-lowering medications that are effective in slowing the development of kidney disease.
2. Manage Stress and Try Working Out
Consider stress-reducing activities and get at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity each day.
3. Aim for a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood pressure readings.
4. Eat Less Salt
Most people eat too much salt without realizing it. Even a slight reduction of sodium in your diet can help improve your heart health and can reduce your blood pressure.
5. Consider cutting back on caffeine
Caffeine may cause a temporary but dramatic increase in your blood pressure, even if you don’t have high blood pressure. The blood pressure response to caffeine differs from person to person.
