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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