Lifestyle and home remedies

A healthy lifestyle is essential for keeping blood pressure low and keeping long-term heart health. Here are some healthy lifestyle suggestions:

• Eat a healthy diet. Diets that highlight a healthy variety of foods — including grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products — can help with weight loss and help lower blood pressure. Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet — it has proven benefits for your heart. A healthy diet also limits sodium, added sugar, saturated fat and alcohol.
• Achieve a healthy weight. If your body mass index (BMI) is 25 or more, losing as little as 3% to 5% of your body weight may lower your blood pressure.
• Exercise. Regular aerobic exercise can help lower blood pressure. You don't have to hit the gym — taking a moderately paced walk for 30 minutes most days of the week can improve your health. Try walking with a friend at lunch instead of dining out.
• Don't smoke. Quitting smoking improves your overall heart and blood vessel health. Talk to your doctor about medications that can help you stop smoking.