In most cases, ideal blood pressure without medication equals a systolic pressure of < 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of < 80 mmHg (millimetres of mercury). Already at a level exceeding this, it is advisable to pay attention to the lifestyle factors that affect blood pressure. If your blood pressure is permanently 140/90 mmHg or higher, you have high blood pressure. The cornerstones of treating high blood pressure are lifestyle management, self-monitoring your blood pressure and, if required, medication.
The key lifestyle choices you can make to lower your blood pressure include eating less salt, cutting back on your alcohol consumption, exercising more and losing weight. Other factors contributing to hypertension include eating liquorice or products that contain liquorice extract as well as sleep disorders.
A diet comprising plenty of vegetables, fruit and berries combined with a higher fibre intake helps reduce hypertension.