High blood pressure most of the time is called hypertension. Having hypertension makes it more likely that you'll have health problems like a stroke or heart attack.

​

Like pieces of a puzzle, many different things work together to cause hypertension.

​

You can take steps to control your blood pressure:

1. Watch your salt

   • Eat less than 1,500-2,300 mg every day (about 3/4 teaspoon)

2. Limit alcohol

   • If you're under 65: Men ≤ 2 drinks each day​, women ≤ 1 drink each day

   • If you're over 65: ≤ 1 drink each day

3. Move some everyday

   • Get up from sitting at least every hour​

   • Do something active everyday 

4. Keep a healthy weight

   • Ask your doctor what's right for you

5. Make healthy food choices

   • Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins (like fish), and beans​

   • Eat less processed foods