What lifestyle modifications should be recommended for a patient with hypertension?

For a patient with hypertension, engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial lifestyle modifications that can significantly help in managing blood pressure levels. Physical activity helps to strengthen the heart, enabling it to pump blood more efficiently and lowering the pressure in the arteries. Regular exercise can also aid in weight management, which is an important factor in controlling hypertension.

A balanced diet is equally important and is often emphasized through dietary approaches such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which encourages the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium intake. Reducing salt is essential because high sodium levels can lead to increased blood pressure.

Other lifestyle modifications that complement exercise and diet include stress management, smoking cessation, and moderation of alcohol intake. These changes can collectively contribute to better control of hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.