How can I control high blood pressure?

Diet, physical activity, weight management and alcohol/tobacco habits affect blood pressure. Recommendations should be adapted to each person; your clinician can give individualized advice.

• Cut down on salt intake
• Increase vegetables, fruit and whole grains
• Do regular aerobic exercise as advised by your clinician
• Aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco products

Regular home blood pressure monitoring helps guide treatment and follow‑up. Record the date, time and your body position (sitting, resting) and bring the measurements to appointments.

• Log measurements at regular intervals
• Try to measure under similar conditions (rested, same position)
• Show your recorded measurements to your clinician during visits

Initial assessment is typically by Family Medicine or Internal Medicine. Depending on findings, your doctor may refer you to Cardiology for heart evaluation or involve Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases if hormonal/metabolic causes are suspected. Kidney function assessment may be performed and can involve relevant specialists.

• Family Medicine or Internal Medicine: first assessment and follow‑up
• Cardiology: if further heart evaluation is needed
• Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases: if metabolic or hormonal causes are suspected

During follow‑up your clinician will review your overall health and may order tests based on your situation. Test selection varies by individual and should be decided with your clinician.

• Basic blood tests and kidney function assessment
• Cardiac evaluation if indicated (additional tests as needed)
• Eye examination when assessing organ effects