What is the fastest way to lower high blood pressure?

(CNN) -- Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, which in turn carry it from the heart to the body's tissues and organs. Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by the blood as it pushes against the artery walls.

According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, blood pressure is measured by recording two numbers: systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Measuring blood pressure is an important step to maintain healthy levels; often there are no symptoms of high blood pressure, and measuring it is the only way to know if it is too high.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that if a person is found to have high blood pressure, steps should be taken to control it; this will reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Managing related health conditions

Most people with diabetes, about 6 in 10, also have high blood pressure. Also, if a person has diabetes, it is important to adhere to the treatment plan to keep blood sugar levels within the specified range.

Lifestyle changes

By making the following lifestyle changes, you can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels:

Exercise regularly: Staying physically active is one of the best ways to maintain health; physical activity helps keep the heart and blood vessels strong and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of not only high blood pressure but also heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Eat healthy foods: Choosing healthy snacks can help avoid high blood pressure and its complications; so it is essential to eat plenty of fruits and fresh vegetables.

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese means the heart has to work harder to pump blood and oxygen throughout the body. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight reduces the burden on the heart and lowers the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Taking medication

Many people need to take medication in addition to making lifestyle changes to help keep blood pressure levels within a healthy range.

How can high blood pressure be prevented?

MedlinePlus also explained that high blood pressure can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle, which includes:

Following a healthy diet that helps control blood pressure, including limiting sodium intake, increasing potassium intake, eating low-fat foods, and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Exercising regularly, which can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure.

Maintaining a healthy weight, especially since being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure. So, maintaining a healthy weight helps control blood pressure and reduce the risk of other health problems.

Limiting alcohol consumption, which can raise blood pressure and add extra calories that may cause weight gain.

Quitting smoking because it raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Managing stress, as learning how to relax and cope with stress can improve emotional and physical health and lower high blood pressure.

Getting enough good-quality sleep.