Table 2 Summary of Lifestyle Recommendations to reduce BP and CV risk (Adapted from Kulkarni et.al. J Hum Hypertens. 2024;38: [7] 544-54 [157] under Creative Commons licence CC BY 4.0: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/.

From: Investigation and management of resistant hypertension: British and Irish Hypertension Society position statement

Lifestyle Recommendations to Reduce BP and CVD Risk

1. Reduce salt to <6 g day. Pre-prepared foods like bread, breakfast cereals and ready meals may contain high salt. Check labels when shopping, swap domestic salt to a potassium enriched product and avoid adding extra salt to food.

2. Maintain a healthy weight. For people that are overweight, weight loss is associated with a reduction in blood pressure.

3. Incorporate exercise. 30 min of moderate aerobic exercise 5 times a week and resistance training 2 to 3 times a week.

4. Eat a balanced diet rich in potassium and nitrates. Include at least 5 portions (400 g) of fruit and vegetables daily.

5. Alcohol in moderation. Current guidelines recommend up to 14 units a week for men and women. Avoid binge drinking and encourage alcohol free days.

6. Avoid excess caffeine. Energy drinks with high concentrations of ingredients such as taurine and caffeine are associated with increased blood pressure [158].

7. Stop smoking to reduce total cardiovascular risk.

  1. BP blood pressure, CVD cardiovascular disease.
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