A: Although there is a wide variety of effective medicines to treat hypertension, virtually all of them cause side effects and pose potential problems when used with other drugs because of drug interactions. These problems can be amplified by the frequent need for long-term treatment. And the side effects (lethargy, headache, edema, sexual dysfunction, persistent cough) often reduce patient compliance. Nearly every black family has a hypertensive member who refuses to take her blood pressure medication because she dislikes the way it makes her feel. Lifestyle changes have no such negative side effects and can often so as much to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event such as heart attack or stroke as medications.   

         So before you are forced to go on a drug to keep your blood pressure down, try to prevent the need for medication with these life style changes:

·     Keep body weight within 15 percent of your ideal.

·     Limit daily salt intake to less than 2,400 mg—or better et, less than 1500 mg. 

·     Maintain adequate dietary intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. 

·     Reduce intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. 

·     Do an aerobic exercise (i.e., walking, swimming, cycling) at least three times a week, aiming for a heart rate in your aerobic training zone range. 

·     Limit daily alcohol intake to a maximum of 24 ounces of beer, 8 ounces of wine, or 2 ounces of liquor. 

·     Quit smoking.

         Of course, if your blood pressure is dangerously high and your doctor feels you need to get it under control immediately, take the pills—and also take the above advice. Eventually you may be able to wean yourself off the medication.