Healthy Lifestyle Choices

What you can control

With high blood pressure, there are risk factors that are beyond your control. For instance, people above the age of 65 with a family history of heart disease cannot change those factors. Even so, high blood pressure is a condition that most people who are over the age of 55 will have to face. With this in mind, it should be helpful to know that there are several risk factors that you can actively manage:

• Lifestyle. Avoiding bad habits (such as smoking) altogether, along with managing stress and reducing alcohol intake, can help improve your health in every way
• Diet. Smart eating, by finding heart-healthy foods and recipes low in sodium, should be a part of your treatment plan
• Activity. Getting plenty of exercise can be as easy as walking around your neighborhood once a day—but the difference it makes is significant

Seeing your doctor

Working with your doctor and other healthcare providers should be a priority when dealing with high blood pressure. You can partner with them to establish your blood pressure goals. Be sure to prepare for your doctor visits by bringing a list of points to address and questions to ask. Asking the right questions and taking notes should give you a good idea of your blood pressure goals and treatment plan.

Next: Avoiding bad habits