High Blood Pressure..Essential Patient Guide

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. These complications can include stroke, heart failure, heart attack, and kidney damage. Globally, hypertension contributes more to cardiovascular death than any other risk factor. Dietary changes (decreasing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake) and weight loss (for those who are overweight) are effective ways to lower blood pressure.
Other helpful lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, reducing stress, reducing alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly. All of these lifestyle changes are effective when used individually, but often yield the greatest benefits when used together. Because the effects of lifestyle changes are usually relatively small, many people with high blood pressure also need medications to help them reach their blood pressure goals.