Hypertension is the main risk factor for heart attack and brain stroke, a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and a major risk for dementia, chronic kidney disease and heart failure.

Major lifestyle modifications to control hypertension are:

  1. Stop smoking 
  2. Reduce: Total and saturated fat, Red meat, Sugar, sugary drinks, Refined carbohydrates, Salt, Alcohol (except modest amounts of red wine), Weight 
  3. Increase: Fruits, vegetables, whole grainsFish and poultry Low-fat dairy products Olives and olive oil, Garlic, Aerobic exercise
  4. Maximum advisable salt intake should be less than 4 gram
  5. Minimum 30 to 60 minutes of daily aerobic exercise recommended