For adults with elevated blood pressure, a structured, evidence-based programme of lifestyle modification is the recommended first-line approach to bring readings to goal and reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.
The clinical goal is sustained control of both systolic and diastolic pressure:
Average SBP <130 mm Hg & Average DBP <80 mm HgGuideline-directed management focuses on a multi-component lifestyle programme — encompassing dietary changes, targeted weight management, and a structured physical activity plan — with specific, quantified goals for each modifiable factor. The full protocol defines which components apply, in what sequence, and at what thresholds.
DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001356
For all adults, lifestyle changes, including maintaining or achieving a healthy weight, following a heart-healthy eating pattern (such as DASH [Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension]), reducing sodium intake, increasing dietary potassium intake, adopting a moderate physical activity program, managing stress, and reducing or eliminating alcohol intake are strongly recommended to prevent or treat elevated blood pressure and hypertension.
In adults who have overweight or obesity, weight loss is recommended with a goal of at least 5% of body weight reduction to prevent or treat elevated BP and hypertension.
In adults with or without hypertension, a heart-healthy eating pattern, such as the DASH eating plan, is recommended to prevent or treat elevated BP and hypertension.
In adults with or without hypertension, reduction of dietary sodium intake is recommended to <2300 mg/d, moving toward an ideal limit of <1500 mg/d to prevent or treat elevated BP and hypertension.
In adults with or without hypertension, increasing physical activity, through a structured exercise program that includes aerobic exercise and/or resistance training, is recommended to prevent or treat elevated BP and hypertension.
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