How can I lose weight?
If you’re overweight, you’re putting too
much strain on your heart. You should talk with your healthcare
professional about a healthy eating plan. When you lose weight, your
blood pressure often goes down! By eating a low-saturated-fat, low
cholesterol diet, you’ll help avoid heart attack and stroke.
How do I limit salt?
Eating a lot of salt (sodium) adds to
high blood pressure in some people. It holds excess fluid in your body
and puts an added burden on your heart. Your doctor may tell you to
cut down on the salt you use in
cooking and not add salt to foods. He or she may also tell you to eat
no salt at all. Try to read food labels so you’ll know which foods are
high in sodium. And learn to use herbs or salt substitutes instead!
How do I limit Alcohol?
Ask your doctor if you’re allowed to
drink alcohol, and if so, how much. If you drink more than two ounces
a day (about two beers, glasses of wine or mixed drinks), it may add
to high blood pressure. If cutting back on alcohol is hard for you to
do on your own, ask about community groups that can help.
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