Which option lists the lifestyle changes recommended for hypertension?

• A. Limit sodium; Exercise; Weight management; Stop smoking.
• B. Increase sodium intake.
• C. Regular physical activity and balanced diet.
• D. Quit smoking and limit alcohol.

Answer: (A)

Lifestyle changes to help control high blood pressure center on reducing risks you can modify daily. Limiting sodium lowers fluid retention and vascular resistance, which helps lower blood pressure. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and supports weight management, all of which contribute to lower blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the workload on the cardiovascular system, making blood pressure easier to manage. Quitting smoking decreases cardiovascular risk and improves vessel health, supporting overall blood pressure goals. Together, these four changes form a comprehensive, guideline-aligned approach to lifestyle management for hypertension, which is why this option is the best. Increasing sodium intake would raise blood pressure, so it’s not advisable. A statement focusing only on physical activity and diet is helpful but incomplete, missing sodium reduction, weight management, and smoking cessation. While quitting smoking and limiting alcohol is good, it doesn’t address all the key lifestyle factors needed for hypertension.