7 Strategies to Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
Feeling the Pressure?
High Blood Pressure (or Hypertension) Control Is Possible
Nearly 1 in 2 adults has high blood pressure
Yet only about
1 in 4
has it under control
to <130/80 mm Hg
If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, pregnancy complications, and cognitive decline later in life.
Visit cdc.gov/heartmonth for tools and resources to help reach blood pressure control.
7 Strategies to Live a
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
When you choose healthy behaviors, you can lower your heart disease risk while also preventing other serious chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and some kinds of cancer.
1
Learn Your Health History
Know your risks and talk
to your family and doctor
about your health history.
5
Take Medicines as Directed
If you take medicine to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don’t understand something. Never stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
6
Choose Your Drinks Wisely
Substitute water for sugary drinks to
reduce calories. If you drink alcohol,
do so in moderation by limiting
consumption to no more than 1 drink
for women and 2 for men on days
that alcohol is consumed. If you are
pregnant, don’t drink any alcohol.
7
Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
Self-measured blood pressure monitors are easy and safe to use, and your doctor can show you how to use one if you need help.
Learn more about keeping your heart healthy by visiting
www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm.