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Lifestyle Changes to Reduce

Your Blood Pressure

Weight Reduction
There is a strong relationship between high blood pressure and
By: Herold Merisier, MD, FAAFP
excess body weight. Sixty to seventy percent of hypertensive pa-
tients are overweight or obese. Studies have shown that losing
Extent of the problem about 20 lbs of excess weight can lead to a decrease in systolic
High blood pressure is one of the most common chronic diseases blood pressure of up to 20 mmHg, which is equivalent to the
affecting adults in the Unites States and around the world. It is es- reduction that could be achieved by taking a medication. Hy-
timated that one out of every three adults in the US (65 millions pertensive patients who lose a significant amount of weight can
individuals) is affected by high blood pressure. Left untreated, high reduce the number of pills needed to control their blood pressure,
blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as: heart at- or eliminate the pills entirely.
tack, stroke, kidney disease, and visual disturbances.

Classification
Normal blood pressure in adults 18 years or older is defined as a
blood pressure reading of less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury
(mmHg). High blood pressure usually refers to a blood pressure over
140/90 mmHg, measured at least on two separate occasions. High
blood pressure is further classified as Stage 1 and Stage 2
Hypertension as described in the table below.

Dietary Changes
Management of high blood pressure The DASH diet, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
The vast majority of people affected by hypertension require medi- eating plan, which consists of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and
cations to control their blood pressure. Furthermore, most of these low fat dairy products with a reduced content of saturated and
individuals need to take at least two medications on a daily basis to total fat, has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by 8
keep their blood pressure under control. Nevertheless, the initial step to 14 mmHg. In addition, reducing the salt intake to less than 2
in the treatment of all hypertensive patients should the implementa- grams of sodium per day can lead to a reduction in systolic blood
tion of lifestyle changes that can help significantly reduce their blood pressure of 2 to 8 mmHg, particularly in patients of African de-
pressure. scent who have been shown to be more sensitive to salt when
compared to Caucasians.

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