Prevention

The following strategies may help to prevent high blood pressure and organ damage it may cause. For more details on how you can achieve these goals, see Self-Care at Home.

• Eat a nutritious, low-fat diet.
  
  
• Exercise regularly.
  
  
• Decrease salt (sodium) intake: Read food labels so you know the salt content before you buy a product in the grocery store.
  
  
• Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, try to lose weight.
  
  
• Use alcohol in moderation, if at all.
  
  
• Stop smoking.
  
  
• Get your blood pressure checked periodically. Consider getting an accurate and easy-to-use home monitor.
  
  
• Take your blood pressure medications as directed, even if you're feeling fine.
  
  
• Reduce stress and practice relaxation: Physical activity will help with this.