Table 2. Lifestyle modifications to prevent and manage hypertension1.
| Modification | Recommendation | ~ SBP reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Weight reduction | Aim for BMI 18.5-25 kg/m2 | 5-20 mmHg/10 kg wt loss |
| Sodium intake | < 100 mmol Na/ 6 g NaCl (1 ¼ tsp salt) | 2-8 mmHg |
| Physical exercise | Aerobic activity e.g. brisk walking 30-60 mins, minimum 3x/ wk | 4-9 mmHg |
| DASH Diet | Rich in fruit, vegetable and low-fat diary products | 8-14 mmHg |
| Alcohol | 2 units/day in men, 1 unit/day in women | 2-4 mmHg |
DASH, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; SBP, systolic blood pressure
Note: For overall cardiovascular risk reduction, stop smoking. The effects of implementing these lifestyle modifications are dose- and time-dependent, and could be greater for some individuals