Prevent or Manage High Blood Pressure

Prevention

Lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Take these steps to prevent high blood pressure:

• Eat a Healthy Diet
  • Eat Plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Eat foods rich in potassium, fiber, and protein
  • Eat foods lower in salt and saturated fat
• Maintain a Healthy Weight
  • Talk to your provider about a healthy weight range
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Get regular physical activity
• Be Physically Active
  • Adults should get at least 2.5 hours of exercise a week 
    (About 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
  • Children & Adolescents should get an hour of exercise every day
• Don't Smoke
  • Talk to your provider about ways to help you quit
• Limit Alcohol 
  • Men should have no more than 2 drinks per day
  • Women should have no more than 1 drink per day
  • Get Enough Sleep

Learn more about how you can prevent high blood pressure.

Management

Lower your risk for health problems from high blood pressure. Take these steps to manage high blood pressure:

• Measure Your Blood Pressure Regularly
  • Talk to your provider if your readings are too high
• Manage Diabetes
• Take Your Prescribed Medications
  • Follow your provider's instructions carefully
  • Do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your provider
• Make Lifestyle Changes
• Work with Your Healthcare Team

Get resources to help you manage your blood pressure.

Sources: CDC, American Heart Association