Dr. Harkesh Arora details ways to reduce high blood pressure

A lot of things go into living a healthier life. Diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep are just a few of the factors to be mindful of, but what about watching your blood sugar or blood pressure levels? Endocrinologist Dr. Harkesh Arora came onto New Mexico Living to speak about how hypertension and lifestyle can affect your overall health.

Arora says high blood pressure is a silent, symptomless killer that is related to major risk factors like cardiovascular disease and strokes. Arora recommends speaking with your healthcare provider if your blood pressure is out of the normal range; normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg.

The health expert says the best way to combat high blood pressure is by eating a healthy diet. Items to eat include fruits, vegetables, legumes, white meat, fish, and healthy oils. Items to avoid include high-sodium foods, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars, according to Arora.

Arora says alcohol plays a big role in high blood pressure. She advises sticking to the recommended amount of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men and says to pay careful attention to these limits because they change depending on the type of alcohol that you are consuming.

Exercise is another important way to avoid hypertension. Arora says exercise reduces stress, strengthens your heart muscles, and decreases weight – all things that can help lower blood pressure. Arora recommends brisk walking, strength exercises, swimming, and aerobics as some of the best ways to reduce blood pressure.

To learn more about lowering your blood pressure, speak with Dr. Harkesh Arora or your healthcare provider.