What should I include in my diet to control high blood pressure?
- Eat foods that are lower in fat, salt, and calories such as skim or 1%
milk, fresh vegetables and fruit, and plain rice and pasta. (Ask your
doctor or health care provider for a more detailed list of salt-free foods
to eat.)
- Use flavorings, spices, and herbs to make foods tasty without using
salt.
- Avoid or cut down on butter and margarine, regular salad dressings,
fatty meats, whole milk dairy products, fried foods, and salted snacks.
- Ask your health care provider if you should increase potassium in your
diet or if you need to take a potassium supplement.
How can I be more active?
- Check first with your health care provider before increasing your
physical activity. Ask your provider what type and amount of exercise is
right for you.
- Choose aerobic activities such as walking, biking, or swimming.
- Start slowly and increase activity gradually. Aim for a regular routine
of activity three to five times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each session.
What should I know about blood pressure medicine?
There are many different medicines to treat high blood pressure, and you
might need to take medicine from now on. If you are told by your health care
provider to take high blood pressure medicine, be sure to follow the exact
directions.
Also ask what side effects can happen with your medicine, and talk to your
health care provider about any problems or side effects you might have with your
medicine. Lastly, do not stop taking the medicine on your own.
How can I learn more about high blood pressure?
Talk to your health care provider or visit your local library. You can also
contact health care agencies such as:
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Information Center
1.301.592-8573
TTY: 240.629.3255
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
The American Heart Association
1.800.242.8721
www.americanheart.org/
The National Institutes of Health Joint National Committee on the Prevention,
Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/