6 healthy lifestyle factors associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure

From WebMD, the following six healthy lifestyle factors were associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure:

1. Healthy weight: body mass index (BMI) of less than 25.

2. Daily exercise: average of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per day.

3. Heart-healthy diet: following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet based on high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains, and low intake of sodium, sweetened beverages, and red and processed meats. Related: What is the best diet in the world? DASH Diet, according to the latest review. TIME, 2011.

4. Moderate alcohol use.

5. Use nonnarcotic pain relievers less than once per week.

6. Taking a folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms.

Participation in sport is associated with a with a 20—40% reduction in all-cause mortality compared with non-participation. Exercise might also be considered as a fifth vital sign, according to the Lancet: http://goo.gl/gyxYf

Related:

Men Who Followed 6 Healthy Lifestyle Habits Cut Their Risk of Heart Failure in Half

A table to show the impact of lifestyle interventions on blood pressure http://bit.ly/johjzs - Great for patient education.
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