Maintain a healthy weight. Losing even a few pounds if you're overweight can reduce blood pressure. A person with high blood pressure who smokes is at serious risk. Every cigarette raises blood pressure. Quitting lowers it.
Exercise is useful in both preventing and treating hypertension.
For one thing, it can help you lose weight. It can also lower your blood pressure somewhat, though it's not understood exactly how this happens. If you are sedentary and just beginning an exercise program to combat hypertension, remember that you may not see the effects for months. But just 30 minutes of brisk walking four or five times a week can eventually make a difference. If you already have high blood pressure and plan to exercise intensely, you should first discuss your program with your doctor.