http://media.soundmedicine.org/segments/081113_1.mp3
According to the American Heart Association, alternative therapies may help lower blood pressure for those who don’t tolerate or respond to traditional medications. Alternative therapies include aerobic exercise, slow-breathing exercises, resistance training, and isometric handgrip. However, Robert Brook, M.D., cautions that they should be used in conjunction with a blood pressure management plan recommended by a primary care physician; alternative therapies should not replace traditional methods for those who respond well to them. Traditional therapies include exercise, weight management and a low-sodium, well-balanced diet. Dr. Brook is an associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan.