HOW TO PREVENT OR CONTROL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

HOW TO PREVENT OR CONTROL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease by making these
DrmedSup lifestyle changes.

1. WORK WITH YOU HEALTH CARE TEAM
You are diagnosed with hypertension (high Blood pressure). Your doctor may give
you medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions and stay on your medications.
Do not stop taking your medications before talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

2. LOSE EXTRA POUNDS
Blood pressure often rises when you gain weight, leading to more health issues.
3. BE ACTIVE
Take a brisk 10-minute walk 3 times a day, 5 days a week.
4. EATING A HEALTHY DIET
Keep A Food Diary – Keep track of what you eat. Write down how much and at
what time you ate.
Boost Potassium – Potassium can lessen the effects of sodium on blood pressure.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. Talk to your doctor about the best potassium
level for you.
Be A Smart Shopper – Read food labels when you shop and stick to your eating
plan.
5. REDUCE SODIUM IN YOUR DIET
Eat Less Processed Foods – Only a small amount of sodium occurs naturally in
foods. Most sodium is added during processing.
Do Not Add Salt – One teaspoon of salt has 2,300 mg of sodium. Use herbs and
spices to add flavor to your food.

6. LIMIT ALCOHOL
Limit yourself to less than 3 drinks in a sitting.
7. QUIT SMOKING
Join a support group or a program to help you quit smoking.
8. REDUCE STRESS
Take 15 to 20 minutes a day to sit quietly, breathe deeply, or do an activity you
love.

Normal Systolic: Less than 120 mmHg
Diastolic: Less than 80 mmHg
At-risk (prehypertension) Systolic: Less than 120-139 mmHg
Diastolic: Less than 80-89 mmHg
High (hypertension) Systolic: Less than 140 mmHg or higher
Diastolic: Less than 90 mmHg or higher