Behavior
Healthy behaviors contribute to keeping your blood pressure low, which in turn decreases your risk of heart disease.
Diet
Sodium is the element in salt that can raise blood pressure. Most of the sodium we eat comes from processed and restaurant foods. Eating too much sodium can increase blood pressure. Not eating enough potassium (from fruits and vegetables) can also increase blood pressure.
Weight
Being overweight can cause high blood pressure.
Physical Inactivity
Not getting enough exercise can make you gain weight, which can lead to high blood pressure.
Alcohol Use
Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.
Tobacco Use
Smoking raises your risk for high blood pressure.
Prehypertension
Blood pressure levels that are higher than normal put you at risk for developing high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Levels | |
---|---|
Normal | Systolic: less than 120 mmHg Diastolic: less than 80 mmHg |
At risk (prehypertension) | Systolic: 120–139 mmHg Diastolic: 80–89 mmHg |
High | Systolic: 140 mmHg or higher Diastolic: 90 mmHg or higher |
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