Self Help

To really take care of high blood pressure you must take charge of your lifestyle. But you can’t successfully do this alone. You need information and you also need a personal coach - a doctor who knows you and your health status and who will supervise you. You can’t do it alone, and it can’t happen without your involvement.

The first thing is to determine if you really have elevated blood pressure. Then it is vital that you have your doctor rule out other causes of hypertension such those listed under secondary hypertension.

You must have medical advice and supervision before any major change in diet or exercise, or in taking drugs for hypertension - or for other conditions. Remember to never stop taking a drug without your physician’s supervision and never stop suddenly. Before entering an exercise program, be sure to get properly evaluated, preferably with a properly conducted exercise stress test. Finally, keep track of your progress using the forms provided.