Five Tips for Managing High Blood Pressure
Last Updated: 12 May 2025
High blood pressure, medically known as arterial hypertension, is a condition affecting the cardiovascular system. It occurs when blood pressure readings are consistently higher than normal, typically exceeding 140 mmHg for systolic pressure and 90 mmHg for diastolic pressure.
According to 2023 data from the Italian National Institute of Health, 49% of men and 39% of women in Italy had elevated blood pressure levels, highlighting hypertension as a widespread public health concern.
Fortunately, high blood pressure can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle: maintaining a balanced diet, keeping a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and scheduling regular medical check-ups are key strategies to protect heart and vascular health.
Discover 5 practical tips to prevent hypertension and take care of your cardiovascular well-being.
Lifestyle Tips for Dealing with High Blood Pressure
1. Eat a heart-healthy diet
Choose fresh, whole foods and limit processed and packaged foods in your diet. Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, lean meat, poultry, and fish, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
2. Get active
Regular activity — 30 minutes each day — can help control your weight and lower your stress levels, which can help control your blood pressure. The key to sticking with an activity plan is to choose something you like, such as walking, biking, dancing, or swimming. Be sure to talk with your doctor about what’s safe before you start any new exercise plan.
3. Limit your sodium and alcohol intake
Sodium and alcohol can both contribute to higher blood pressure. Packaged and processed foods are often high in sodium, therefore, it is important to check food nutrition labels carefully and, if necessary, consult a nutritionist to manage sodium intake. As for alcohol, it is advisable to limit its consumption: guidelines recommend no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two for men to keep blood pressure under control.
4. Don’t smoke
Smoking harms your heart and blood vessels in many ways. It temporarily raises blood pressure, makes it more likely for blood to form dangerous clots, and lowers your ability to exercise. It’s also a good idea to avoid secondhand smoke.
5. Follow your doctor’s advice
Your doctor will be able to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, which may include the use of medications along with lifestyle modifications. It is essential to follow the specialists' instructions carefully, even if your blood pressure levels improve. Never stop taking medication for hypertension without first consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction, to ensure that blood pressure is kept under control.
If you suffer from hypertension, please consult one of our cardiology specialists.