LIFE-STYLE MODIFICATIONS FOR HYPERTENSION - THE MANY BENEFITS ARE WORTH THE EFFORT

Any approach to antihypertensive therapy should include lifestyle modi fications. In the beginning emphasis should be on weight loss and exer cise, along with moderation of alcohol use and cessation of smoking. P atients should be encouraged to consume fresh rather than processed (a nd thus high-salt) foods and to limit use of salt in cooking and at th e table. Even if patients eventually require antihypertensive medicati ons, lifestyle modifications should continue, since there is evidence that such measures minimize the number and dose of medications require d.