A Hypertension Management Guide

Hypertension accounts for more doctor's office diagnoses than any other illness. Of all modifiable risk factors for heart and vascular disease and kidney disease, the American Medical Association (AMA) considers hypertension to be the most important. Good management is key to mitigating these risks.

Medication

• If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 or you have a chronic illness like diabetes or kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe medication to control your hypertension. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers tips for remembering to take your medicine: take it at the same time each day; write yourself reminders and post them where you'll see them often; and organize each day's doses in a pill box.

Weight Control

• If you're overweight, even a small weight loss can reduce your blood pressure. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), a low-fat, low-sodium diet that's rich in fiber and minerals and other nutrients, may help you shed excess pounds.

Reduce Sodium

• Replace table salt with other seasonings. Read the labels of processed foods before you eat them, as they're often high in sodium.

Exercise

• The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends at least two and one-half hours of moderate aerobic exercise each week, performed in sessions lasting at least 10 minutes. The AHA also suggests strengthening exercises twice weekly.

Quit Smoking

• Although smoking hasn't been proven to cause hypertension, according to the AHA your blood pressure temporarily increases every time you light up.

Drink in Moderation

• Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure. The AHA suggests that men limit their intake to two drinks per day and that women limit theirs to one drink daily.