Which lifestyle changes are recommended for hypertension?

• A. Limit sodium; Exercise; Weight management; Stop smoking.
• B. Increase sodium intake; Avoid exercise; Weight gain; Start smoking.
• C. Limit fluids; Avoid physical activity; Eat high-fat foods.
• D. Sleep less; No dietary changes.

Answer: (A)

Managing hypertension rests on changes that reduce fluid volume, ease the heart’s workload, control body weight, and protect blood vessels. Limiting sodium lowers blood volume and arterial pressure, making it easier for the heart to pump. Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves vascular function, aids weight control, and lowers blood pressure over time. Keeping a healthy weight reduces the strain on the heart and decreases vascular resistance. Quitting smoking protects blood vessels and reduces overall cardiovascular risk, contributing to better long-term blood pressure control. These changes together address the main factors that raise blood pressure and improve heart health.

Choices that promote more sodium, no exercise, weight gain, or starting smoking would worsen hypertension. Other options suggesting limited fluids, avoiding activity, fatty foods, or sleeping less do not align with established lifestyle strategies for lowering blood pressure.