sodium restriction to 2300 mg per day, moving toward an ideal limit of 1500 mg per day by checking food labels
in adults with or without hypertension, potassium-based salt substitutes can be useful to prevent or treat elevated BP and hypertension, particularly for patients in whom salt intake is related mostly to food preparation or flavoring at home, except in the presence of CKD or use of drugs that reduce potassium excretion where additional monitoring is probably indicated.
weight loss gives 0.5-2mmHg reduction per kg lost
cut down on caffeine intake to 2 cups/day - although this measure was not included in 2025 AHA guideline
avoid sympathomimetic agents such as pseudoephedrine
DASH diet gives additive benefits to modest sodium restriction
ideally, consuming no alcohol or for those who choose to drink, consuming no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women
increase aerobic exercise to 75-150min/week may reduce BP by ~4mmHg
ensure at least 6hrs sleep each night as long term sleep deprivation increases risk of hypertension
cease smoking to avoid the compounding effects on atherosclerosis
managing stress with exercise, as well as incorporating stress-reduction techniques
home blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients to help confirm office diagnosis of high blood pressure and to monitor, track progress and tailor care as part of an integrated care plan