With one in four Americans suffering from high blood pressure, it's critical we're all aware of the dangers posed this disease which affects millions. The fatal result could be a heart attack or stroke. With the nature of high blood pressure being so 'silent', it's crucial we get ourselves checked out on a regular basis - every year for checking blood pressure is fine, especially for those over 60 years of age.

Lowering your blood pressure can be done in many ways. The most crucial aspect of lowering your blood pressure is by making smart dietary choices like removing salt and high in fat foods from your diet and replacing them with delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. You could even grow the vegetables yourself and take up a new hobby while you're at it.

The Nutritional Committee of the Heart Association of America recommends you eat a diet containing lots of calcium, magnesium and low in salt and cholesterol. With the Internet being so vast these days all you have to do is hit Google and type in calcium and magnesium foods and you will see thousands of results recommending foods rich in these properties. I shall recommend a few here for you.

Foods rich in calcium:

- Cottage Cheese

- Frozen Yoghurt

- Ice Cream

- Spinach

- Tofu

- Almonds

- Oysters

Foods rich in potassium:

- Peaches, Pears and Kiwi Fruit

- Raisins

- Watermelon

- Asparagus

- Broccoli

- Cabbage

- Carrots

- Pumpkin

- Sweet Potatoes

Above all, research your diet, food and drinks wisely, exercise regularly and your blood pressure will fall accordingly. In all cases if you think you may be suffering from high blood then seek out your doctor and have a talk with him, get tested and discuss your options and treatments with him.