Blood pressure ups and downs are normal, but become dangerous when always high because that harms your heart and blood vessels. As weight increases, so does blood pressure. It's important to stay at a healthy weight. Studies show that even a little physical activity helps strengthen your heart and helps prevent high blood pressure. Americans eat way too much salt and sodium.
Salt is made of sodium and chloride, and it's mostly the sodium that affects blood pressure.
Americans, especially people with high blood pressure, should eat no more than about 6 grams of salt a day, which equals about 2400 milligrams of sodium. Talk to your health care provider about what your blood pressure goals should be. But high blood pressure can be treated and controlled. The best way to avoid the dangers of high blood pressure is to prevent the condition. Visit your health care provider for more information.