Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding life-style measures for improved control of hypertension as follows:
- Observe compliance with recommendations for heart healthy diet and fluid volume intake limitations, if any. Limit sodium intake to no more than 2 grams or 2000 mg per day. Make healthy food choices that are low in saturated and trans fats.
- Poorly managed stress and anxiety are among the major risk factors for development of hypertension and associated complications. Observe compliance with intake of medications prescribed for anxiety management, if any. Adopt alternative strategies and behavior modifying techniques for better management of stress and anxiety.
- Alcohol consumption can lead to increase in cholesterol deposition, damage to blood vessels, and poor control of BP. Observe compliance with recommendations for limitations on alcohol consumption, if applicable.
- Chronic smoking can result in inflammation of the inner lining with narrowing and stiffening of blood vessels with poor control of BP. Observe compliance with recommendations for smoking cessation, if applicable.
