Lifestyle modifications to prevent and manage hypertension

The following lifestyle modifications are recommended for the prevention and management of hypertension (adapted from: Whelton et al., 2002b):

• maintain normal body weight for adults (body mass index, 18.5-24.9 kg/m2);
• reduce dietary sodium intake to no more than 100 mmol/d (approx. 6g of sodium chloride or 2.4 g of sodium per day);
• engage in regular aerobic physical activity such as brisk walking (at least 30 minutes per day on most days of the week);
• limit alcohol consumption to no more than 30 mL of ethanol (e.g. 720 mL of beer, 300 mL of wine, or 60 mL of liquor) per day in most men and no more than 15 mL of ethanol per day in women and lighter weight persons;
• maintain adequate intake of dietary potassium (>90 mmol/d or 3,500 mg per day); and
• consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and in low-fat dairy products with a reduced content of saturated and total fat (according to the DASH eating plan).