Your heart is the hardest working muscle in your body. Its unique structure and function are nearly impossible to replace, even with modern medical science, so it’s important to preserve its health. Lifestyle choices and nutrition are a good start. Blood pressure is a measure of how hard your heart is working to push blood around your body. Bringing your blood pressure under control is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease and lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Eat Healthy
Adopting a healthy diet is often easier said than done. The best of intentions can fall apart in the face of a 
rich dessert or a favorite food. Some small steps can add up when it comes to boosting your diet health, however. One of the simplest ways to change your eating habits is to begin keeping a food diary. Most of us don’t realize just how many bad habits we have, but keeping a diary can help highlight problem areas and show you where you’re doing well and where you can improve. Set a single goal at a time, and strive to meet it. For example, focus on lowering sodium in your diet. Consider adding more potassium to your diet by eating potassium-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Potassium helps reduce the impact sodium has on blood pressure.
Lowering Blood Pressure Through Exercise
Fitness is another challenge for many with heart health concerns. Heart health is rarely an isolated problem. Increasing your fitness level not only has an impact on your heart health, but it also improves your overall wellbeing. By increasing your activity level as little as 20 minutes a day three days a week, you can greatly improve your heart health and lower your blood pressure.
Reduce Stress
Stress is one of your heart’s biggest enemies. While stress is unavoidable in everyday life, you can take steps to reduce your stress levels. Get plenty of sleep. Exercise regularly, and avoid situations that cause you to feel tense, anxious, or exceedingly frustrated. Engage in your favorite hobbies or activities and deliberately seek out activities you enjoy.
By lowering your blood pressure, you reduce the strain on your heart and help ensure it will keep beating away strongly for years to come.
