Lifestyle Modifications for Hypertension Management

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Background: Hypertension is often not taken seriously by patients due to its chronic and silent nature. Establishing a proper managing plan that leads to sufficient control of blood pressure will result in the prevention of most complications and comorbidities associated with hypertension. The most important aspect of long term management of hypertension lies in lifestyle modification which includes diet, exercise, and social habits. Non-pharmacologic therapy plays an essential role in reducing blood pressure as well as in preventing the development of hypertension in normal individuals. Aim of the work: this review was to explore the various modifications a patient can make in lifestyle to maintain and manage blood pressure to achieve a better quality of life. Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1976, through February 2017. The following search terms were used: hypertension, management of hypertension, lifestyle modification, exercise, Mediterranean diet, non-pharmacological management of chronic disease. Conclusion: Even a small decrease in blood pressure can lead to huge benefits on a public health scale. Current evidence supports the application of lifestyle modifications to control blood pressure. These modifications include the control of all possible related factors in order to achieve optimal blood pressure which includes sodium intake, dietary modifications such as Mediterranean diet and reducing alcohol intake, exercise, smoking cessation, and meditation. Family physicians must play a very important role in educating, counseling, and encouraging patients about the benefits of these modifications and their impact in over-all health.