Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. Since there are usually no symptoms with high blood pressure, the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. You can reduce your risks for heart attack and stroke by keeping your blood pressure in a good range. If you have high blood pressure, here are some things you can do to lower your blood pressure.

• Know your blood pressure, have it checked regularly
  • Blood Pressure Log
• Keep your weight at a healthy level, if you are overweight, work to lose weight
• Watch how much salt you eat (see handout below for information on sodium/salt in foods)

  • "Get Smart About Salt" Handout

• Eat a heart healthy diet (lots of fruits, vegetable and whole-grain high-fiber foods)
  • Tips for a Heart Healthy Diet
• Limit your alcohol intake (no more than 1 drink a day for women, 2 a day for men)
• Take your blood pressure medicine every day, don't run out of pills, even for one day
• Keep your appointments with your health care provider
• Stay active, healthy adults ages 18-65 should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five days of the week; if you are older, have chronic conditions or physical limitations ask your healthcare provider what activity level is right for you

Other Resources:

American Heart Association - patient information on high blood pressure