How Can High Blood Pressure Be Prevented?
If You Have Normal Blood Pressure
If you don't have high blood pressure (HBP), you can
take steps to prevent it. Lifestyle measures can help you maintain normal blood
pressure.
- Follow a healthy eating plan. This includes
limiting the amount of sodium (salt) and alcohol that you consume. An example
of a healthy eating plan is the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's
Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH).
- Lose weight if you're
overweight
or obese.
- Do enough physical activity.
- Quit smoking.
- Manage your stress and learn to cope with stress
Many people who take one or more of these steps are
able to prevent or delay HBP. The more steps you take, the more likely you are
to lower your blood pressure and avoid related health problems.
To learn more about the above steps, see
"How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?"
If You Have High Blood Pressure
If you have HBP, you can still take steps to prevent
the long-term problems it can cause. Lifestyle measures (listed above) and
medicines can help you live a longer, more active life.
Follow the treatment plan your doctor prescribes to
control your blood pressure. It can help you prevent or delay
coronary
heart disease,
stroke,
kidney disease, and other health problems.
Children and Teens
A healthy lifestyle also can help prevent HBP in
children and teens. Key steps include having a child:
- Follow a healthy eating plan that focuses on
plenty of fruits, vegetables, and, for children older than 4 years, low-fat
dairy products. The plan also should be low in saturated and trans
fats and salt.
- Be active for at least 1 to 2 hours per day.
Limit screen time in front of the TV or the computer to 2 hours per day at
most.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If your child is
overweight, ask his or her doctor about how your child can safely lose weight.
Make these habits part of a family health plan to
help your child adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. |