Eat more leafy vegetables, fruits, dried peas, and beans. Choose foods low in salt. Don't add salt to your food at the table or during cooking, and watch out for hidden salt in prepared foods by reading the labels. Exercise makes you feel and look better and can also reduce the chances of a heart attack. Losing weight not only has a direct effect on lowering blood pressure, it also helps blood pressure lowering medicines to work better and reduces the impact of other risk factors, like diabetes.
Smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of high blood pressure medication.
Smokers who quit smoking, whatever their age, will reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease within 1 year. Your doctor can help you quit smoking. Moderating the amount of caffeine you drink each day will help keep your heart healthy. Relaxation therapies may have a significant effect on lowering blood pressure. Using relaxation techniques such as biofeedback can help you to reduce your blood pressure.