Read the article
This article was designed to be viewed and distributed as a PDF. Please download the PDF for easiest reading.
Hypertension means you have high blood pressure. Managing hypertension is an important long-term goal to prevent vital organs - such as the eyes, heart and kidneys - from receiving damage. In addition to taking medication, there are also several lifestyle changes you can make to decrease blood pressure.
TAKE MEDICATION REGULARLY
Taking the medication prescribed by your doctor is key to decreasing blood pressure.
Set up a pill box to help save time and organize which medication you take on specific days throughout the week.
MEASURE BLOOD PRESSURE AT HOME
Ask your doctor how many times a day or week you should be recording your blood pressure. Ideally, measurements should be done at the same time each day so that the numbers can be compared.
Make sure to sit down and relax for at least five minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Write down those measurements and bring them to your doctor appointment.
EAT A HEALTHY DIET
Limit salt consumption to one teaspoon per day, which is 2,300 grams of sodium.
The American Heart Association promotes a special diet called the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
EXERCISE
Exercise at a moderate intensity level - meaning you can talk in brief sentences while working out - for at least 30 minutes, five days a week.
Add weight training to your exercise regimen by using resistance bands or weights.
DECREASE OR STOP TOBACCO USE AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
If you are currently smoking and interested in quitting, ask your doctor about nicotine patches and gums.
If you drink alcohol, the recommended consumption is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
DOWNLOAD AND DISTRIBUTE
The PDF of this patient education handout is available for easy download and distribution to your patients at www.acofp.org/PEH.
SOURCE(S): American Family Physician; American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Osteopathic Family Physician Patient Handout is a public service of ACOFP. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in many instances; however, they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis by a physician. For specific information concerning your medical condition, ACOFP suggests that you consult your family physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other healthcare professionals to share with their patients.