Best Over The Counter Medicine For Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people in the United States. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. While prescription medications are often used to treat high blood pressure, many people prefer to use over the counter medicines to manage their blood pressure. In this article, we will discuss the best over the counter medicines for blood pressure and how they can help manage this condition.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. When this pressure is consistently high, it is known as high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious health problems over time if left untreated.
High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher. Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Age
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- High salt intake
Best Over The Counter Medicines for Blood Pressure
There are several over the counter medicines that can help manage high blood pressure. These medicines are typically used in combination with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and stress reduction techniques.
1. Aspirin
Aspirin is a widely used over the counter medication that can help lower blood pressure. It works by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Aspirin is also effective at preventing blood clots, which can be a serious complication of high blood pressure.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is another over the counter medication that can help manage high blood pressure. Like aspirin, it works by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Ibuprofen can also help relieve pain and reduce fever.
3. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is a commonly used over the counter medication that can help manage high blood pressure. It works by reducing pain and fever, which can help reduce stress on the body and lower blood pressure.
4. Fish Oil
Fish oil is a natural supplement that contains omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation in the body. Fish oil can also help improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
5. Garlic
Garlic is a natural supplement that has been used for centuries to help manage high blood pressure. It works by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation in the body. Garlic can also help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Conclusion
High blood pressure is a serious health condition that can lead to a variety of health problems if left untreated. While prescription medications are often used to manage high blood pressure, many people prefer to use over the counter medicines in combination with lifestyle changes to help manage this condition. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
