High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common but serious condition that affects nearly 1 in 2 adults in the U.S. Left unmanaged, it can silently raise your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
The good news? With support from our clinic, managing hypertension has never been more convenient or effective.
What Exactly Is Hypertension?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against your artery walls. Here’s what the numbers mean:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129 / less than 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139 / 80–89 mmHg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/90+ mmHg
You may not feel symptoms but high blood pressure is still harming your heart and blood vessels over time. Early detection and proactive care are essential.
Watch this video on how to manage high blood pressure and hypertension.
5 Lifestyle Changes That Lower Blood Pressure
Making healthy changes can dramatically reduce your numbers, sometimes even eliminating the need for medications. Start with these essentials:
- Follow the DASH Diet – The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. It’s proven to lower blood pressure in as little as two weeks.
Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About the DASH Diet
- Reduce Sodium – Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily or 1,500 mg if you already have high BP. Start by checking labels and cutting back on processed foods.
- Move More – Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Walking, biking, and swimming are all great choices.
- Limit Alcohol & Quit Smoking – Both raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk. Cutting back helps your numbers drop and improves overall wellness.
- Manage Stress – Chronic stress can spike blood pressure. Consider meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Don’t Forget to Monitor at Home
Keeping tabs on your numbers helps track progress and make treatment decisions. Here’s how:
- Use an automatic cuff on a bare arm while seated
- Take 2–3 readings, morning and evening
- Share your results with your provider during your virtual visits
What About Medication?
Lifestyle changes are powerful but some patients also need medication to stay within healthy BP ranges. Our licensed providers can prescribe medications like:
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Diuretics
- ARBs
We work with you to find the right fit and make adjustments as needed, no in-person visits required.
Why Choose Apple A Day Virtual Clinic?
- No waiting rooms: Meet with a provider from the comfort of your home at a time that works best for you
- Easy medication management: Get prescriptions and adjustments online
- Ongoing support: Stay accountable with virtual check-ins
- Remote monitoring: Share home blood pressure readings for real time insights
Click here and book an appointment today!
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