Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) through medication and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your health. Weight loss is a key focus, as it plays a crucial role in blood pressure control and may help reduce or eliminate the need for medication.
Key Steps:
- Take Medication as Prescribed:
- Continue taking your blood pressure medication exactly as directed by your doctor. This helps keep your blood pressure controlled while you work on lifestyle changes.
- Weight Loss:
- Losing 5-10% of your body weight can lower your blood pressure and may reduce the need for medication.
- Aim for a gradual weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Balanced Diet:
- Follow a low-salt, heart-healthy diet like the DASH diet.
- Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while avoiding high-salt, processed foods and sugary snacks.
- Regular Exercise:
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure and supports weight loss.
- Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking:
- Limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks per day and quit smoking to improve heart health.
- Monitor Progress:
- Regularly check your blood pressure and consult your doctor.
- As you lose weight and adopt healthier habits, your doctor may reduce or stop your medication.
By following these steps, you can better manage hypertension and reduce the need for medication over time.
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