Age, sex, race, and family history just can't be changed. Weight - Being overweight is a major factor in having high blood pressure. Losing excess weight is the most important step you can take in lowering high blood pressure. Here's how to manage your weight. Smoking - Each time you smoke a cigarette, your blood pressure rises.
Nicotine causes a narrowing in small blood vessels, making blood flow more difficult.
Smoking increases your risk of coronary heart disease. Here's how to quit. Activity - A lack of activity results in poor cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens your heart, lungs, and muscles, relieves stress, and helps lower blood pressure. Here's how to become more active.