High blood pressure quiz: Is your hypertension under control?

Medication is often an important part of high blood pressure management — but healthy lifestyle changes are important, too. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Take a brisk daily walk. Don't smoke. Lifestyle changes can help your medication work better or even reduce the amount of medication you need.

Salt substitutes are OK for most people, but the potassium in certain salt substitutes can be dangerous if you have kidney problems. Check with your doctor before using a salt substitute. Better yet, season your food with herbs and spices. Basil, sage, thyme and chili powder, for example, can give your food some kick without raising your blood pressure.

Checking your own blood pressure between medical appointments can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure and confirm your medication is working — even alert you and your doctor to potential complications. You can buy home blood pressure monitors without a prescription at most pharmacies and medical supply stores. Ask your doctor to help you make the best choice.

Even if you're healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. It can also harm your liver, brain and heart. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation — up to one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.

Some low-carb diets restrict healthy foods that can help lower blood pressure. Instead, follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. The DASH diet — which has been clinically proved to reduce blood pressure — is rich in grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. It limits fat, saturated fat and cholesterol and provides plenty of fiber, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

As little as 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week can help you prevent or control high blood pressure. And if you're too busy to squeeze in 30 minutes, try breaking it up into 10-minute chunks. Get off the bus a stop or two early. Park your car farther from your destination. Take a brisk walk after dinner.

Medication can help lower your blood pressure, but it's not a cure. To keep your blood pressure in a healthy range, medication may need to be part of your treatment plan indefinitely.

If you're overweight, losing even 5 pounds can lower your blood pressure. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem.

Researchers haven't linked stress reduction with a direct decrease in blood pressure. Still, it's important to keep stress under control. Distressing events can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure. If they occur often enough, these temporary spikes can damage your blood vessels, heart and kidneys.

Your habits and activities directly affect your blood pressure. To ensure the most accurate blood pressure reading, avoid smoking and drinking caffeinated beverages for at least 30 minutes before the reading. It also helps to empty your bladder and simply sit still for five minutes before the reading.