Lifestyle changes for
hypertension

(WTNH) - Making lifestyle changes this time of the year is challenging. But you really don't have much of a choice when your doctor warns you about high blood pressure or hypertension.

A doctor may recommend medication to get your blood pressure under control, but do not be surprised if you also get a prescription for changing your lifestyle.

It usually starts with advice about diet and exercise.

"Simple walking for 30 to 45 minutes a day for most days of the week, we know will reduce blood pressure," Dr. Rhian Touyz, of University of Ottawa, said.

Hypertension Specialist Dr. Touyz says watching your weight and what you eat can also make a difference.

"Eating a healthy diet -- a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, low-fats, fish --- these are healthy diets or what we call the Dash Diet," he said.

Dr. Touyz tells patients to cut back on sodium intake. "The recommendations are less than 2.4 grams a day and that is, in fact, less than a teaspoon a day."

There's more: reduce alcohol consumption and find ways to manage stress.

"The evidence does not allow us to conclude that by just doing yoga or deep breathing will be sufficient to reduce blood pressure," Dr. Touyz said.

Dr. Touyz says it is not just one lifestyle change but many that will make a real difference in reducing hypertension.