Some risk factors for high blood pressure can be reduced through lifestyle changes. These include exercise, reducing excess
weight, tobacco cessation, and low-sodium diet. The Institute of Medicine also recommends increasing dietary potassium, which
can be achieved by eating more fruits and vegetables. Some risk factors are more difficult to control, such as family history
and genetics. Certain medications can affect blood pressure as well. Individuals are encouraged to discuss their risk factors
with a physician and monitor their blood pressure regularly.
Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, Bureau of Health Promotion, Division of Disease Control and Prevention, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2107,
Telephone: Nicole Bissonette 801-538-6228, Karen Coats 801-538-6227, Michael Friedrichs 801-538-6244
The information provided above is from the Utah Department of Health's Center for
Health Data IBIS-PH web site (http://ibis.health.utah.gov). The information published
on this website may be reproduced without permission. Please use the following citation:
"Retrieved
Thu, 23 May 2013 23:48:46
from Utah Department of
Health, Center for Health Data, Indicator-Based Information System for Public Health Web
site: http://ibis.health.utah.gov".
