How can I lose weight?
If you’re overweight, you’re putting too much strain on
your heart. Talk with your healthcare provider about a
healthy eating plan. When you lose weight, your blood
pressure often goes down! By eating a diet low in
saturated fat, trans fat, salt (sodium) and added sugars,
you’ll help reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How do I limit salt?
Eating a lot of salt (sodium) increases blood pressure
in many people. It holds excess fluid in your body and
puts an added burden on your heart. Your doctor may
tell you to cut down on the salt you use in cooking and
not add salt to foods. He or she may also tell you to
avoid salt completely.
Read food labels so you’ll know which foods are
high in sodium. And learn to use herbs and salt-free
spices instead!
How do I limit alcohol?
Ask your doctor if you’re allowed to drink alcohol,
and if so, how much. If you drink more than two
drinks a day if you’re male or more than one drink
a day if you’re female, it may add to high blood
pressure. One drink is equal to 12 ounces of beer, 5
ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits
or 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits. If cutting back on
alcohol is hard for you to do on your own, ask about
community groups that can help.
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