How to Lower Blood Pressure

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High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the “silent killer” for good reason. It has no symptoms, but it’s a major risk for heart disease and stroke. And these are the leading causes of death in the United States About 1 in 3 American adults has high blood pressure .

Your blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, abbreviated mmHg. There are two numbers involved:

The pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats (systolic blood pressure, the top number)

the pressure in your blood vessels between beats, when your heart is resting (diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number).

The good news about high blood pressure is that lifestyle changes can reduce your numbers and lower your risk — without taking drugs.

Here are some effective ways to lower your blood pressure levels.