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Practical Tips to Stay on Track
- Measure your blood pressure at home with a validated upper‑arm cuff. (utswmed.org)
- Take readings at the same time each day (e.g., morning after rest, evening) and keep a log.
- If you get elevated readings, talk to your doctor about whether lifestyle changes alone are enough or if medication is needed.
- Reduce sodium intake: aim for less than 2,300 mg/day, ideally closer to 1,500 mg/day if possible. (pbs.org)
- Stay active: aerobic + strength exercise has been shown to lower BP meaningfully.
- Know your risk: if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or prior cardiovascular events, stricter targets may apply.
Final Thoughts
The most up‑to‑date blood pressure guidelines reflect a shift toward earlier recognition, more precise monitoring, and stricter targets — all backed by growing evidence that tighter control leads to better outcomes.
If you’ve been told your BP is “just fine” at 140/90 in the past, it may be worth a review — especially if you have other risk factors.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your specific goals and whether your current BP strategy needs updating.
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