A healthy lifestyle is important for preventing and managing high blood pressure. This is true whether or not you take blood pressure-lowering medications. By making a few healthy lifestyle changes, you may be able to lower your blood pressure or reduce the likelihood that you will develop hypertension in the future. These are steps that you can take that can have very positive results.

  • Reach and maintain a healthy weight
  • Be physically active. Do at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as brisk walking on most days of the week
  • Follow a healthy eating plan that is low in fat and saturated fat and is rich in fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products
  • Eat foods with less salt (sodium); aim to limit sodium intake to no more than 2300 mg. (~1 tsp) per day
  • Drink alcohol only in moderation. This means limiting alcohol to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women
  • Avoid tobacco use
  • Take prescribed medications as directed by your health care provider.