Question

Name four lifestyle changes that are recommended for everyone with prehypertension and hypertension.

Answer 1

Prehypertension is a warning that you may get hypertension in future. Effective control on both stage1 hypertension or pre hypertension and hypertension can be possible by life style modification of an individual.

- Lose weight if you are overweight. Overweight can increase high blood pressure both for patients with pre hypertension and hypertension. Modest weight loss can prevent hypertension by 20 percent in overweight people with pre hypertension.

- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fishes, and low fat diary products. DASH diet can be recommended as it is low in sodium, high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein and fibre.

- Cut off dietary salt. A low sodium diet can lower blood pressure and also can prevent high blood pressure.

- Drinking excess alcohol can increase blood pressure. So a moderate drinking can be recommended. 2 drinks a day for man and one drink for women