Hypertension

Prevention:

Lifestyle changes may be helpful to control high blood pressure. Lose weight, if overweight. Excess weight adds to strain on the heart. In some cases, weight loss may be the only treatment needed. Exercise to improve cardiac fitness. Dietary adjustments may be beneficial, especially a decrease of sodium in diet. Modify intake (sodium intake may have little effect in persons without hypertension but may have a profound effect in those with hypertension). Salt, MSG, and baking soda all contain sodium.

Follow the health care provider's recommendations to modify, treat, or control possible causes of secondary hypertension.