Over 100 million Americans have high blood pressure, a condition that increases risk for both strokes and heart attacks—two of the top causes of death in the U.S. For most people, decreasing sodium is the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to keeping high blood pressure in check, but what many don’t know is that reducing inflammation can be just as important.

Research suggests that low-grade inflammation is a primary force behind the development and progression of hypertension, also known as chronic high blood pressure. Inflammation stemming from certain diet and lifestyle habits, like smoking and eating too much added sugar, creates a “pro-inflammatory environment” that allows inflammation to not only stick around but also increase, leading to increased oxidative damage and stiffness in blood vessels, which, if persistent over time, can lead to hypertension.

This means that one of the best approaches to managing blood pressure both short- and long-term is to focus on foods naturally low in sodium that also reduce inflammation. Here are some of those top low-sodium, anti-inflammatory foods to help manage blood pressure.

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes’ red hue comes from lycopene, a phytochemical that can help reduce blood pressure by scavenging free radicals. This action works to minimize oxidative damage and reduce inflammation, potentially decreasing systolic blood pressure—the top number in a blood pressure reading that measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats.

Lycopene in tomatoes is utilized best when the tomatoes have been cooked, so lower-sodium tomato pastes, roasted diced tomatoes and tomato sauces are top sources. Other sources are watermelon, pink grapefruit, apricots and papaya, which all get their pinkish-orange color from lycopene.

2. Sweet potatoes

For a healthy dose of potassium, skip the banana and choose a sweet potato instead. Loading up on potassium-rich foods, while decreasing sodium, is a key part of the DASH diet for hypertension. In addition to being at the top for potassium content, sweet potatoes are also excellent sources of the antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene, which both help to minimize free radicals and inflammation.

Other foods high in potassium include beets, plain yogurt, beans, halibut, cod and winter squash. You also get more potassium when you choose a less-processed form of most foods, especially plant foods, so go for whole forms of these foods more often.

3. Blueberries

Similar to how tomatoes get their color from lycopene, blueberries get their purplish-blue color from anthocyanins, plant compounds that appear to decrease blood pressure by improving blood vessel dilation and blood flow. A study published in February 2019 suggests that eating about a cup of blueberries each day can decrease systolic blood pressure.

And while all berries that have a deep red or purple color are good sources of anthocyanins, blueberries—and particularly those labeled “wild” blueberries—have the highest anthocyanin levels.

4. Pistachios

Nuts are part of the DASH diet to reduce hypertension, but pistachios in particular are one of the best to snack on. Not only are they a great source of potassium, but pistachios are good sources of vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin—all of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may ease underlying conditions contributing to hypertension.

One study found that eating 1.5 ounces of pistachios each day relaxed blood vessel walls to improve circulation and decrease blood pressure. If you’re trying to cut back on sodium, choose unsalted varieties (you can always add a pinch of salt yourself, or try other spices like cinnamon or chili powder).

5. Yogurt

Calcium directs the constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, so getting adequate amounts is key for maintaining a healthy blood pressure. However, it’s a mineral that most of us don’t get nearly enough of each day.

Lower-fat dairy products like yogurt and milk are some of the best calcium sources (and also happen to be naturally low in sodium), but choosing yogurt may also provide an anti-inflammatory edge when it comes to hypertension. The reason is that strains of good bacteria in yogurt can strengthen gut health, which prevents fewer outside compounds from crossing over into our blood, reducing the potential for additional inflammation.

6. Leafy greens

Magnesium is another mineral involved in blood pressure regulation that most Americans do not get enough of, and leafy greens like spinach, kale and arugula are excellent sources. Eating more of these magnesium-rich foods can help relax blood vessels. Plus, leafy greens provide nutrients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to help regulate blood pressure.

7. Flaxseeds

Sprinkling ground flaxseeds into daily smoothies, oatmeal or other dishes is an easy addition that has the potential to significantly decrease blood pressure. In fact, one study found that subjects who ate 30 grams of flaxseeds daily saw a reduction in overall blood pressure.

These seeds’ effects appear to come from their combination of fiber, an omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid, and bioactive compounds called lignans. In fact, research suggests this combination makes long-term daily intake of flaxseeds one of the most effective dietary behaviors for reducing blood pressure.

8. Beans, peas & lentils

Choose from kidney beans to black-eyed peas to chickpeas to green lentils—just get those legumes in, since research suggests eating a serving a day can significantly reduce blood pressure. This is thanks to legumes being great sources of fiber (a half-cup has 7 to 9 grams), as well as potassium and magnesium—two essential minerals for blood pressure regulation.

The high fiber content in beans, peas and lentils also means they provide complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (meaning they won’t spike blood sugar levels, which prevents irritation in the blood vessels). For best results, substitute ½ to 1 cup of any legume—canned, dried or even ground into flour—for refined-carb foods, like white pasta, white rice and white flour. If using canned, opt for no-salt-added, and rinse them to reduce sodium before adding them to a recipe.

9. Olive oil

Thirty years ago, limiting dietary fat was the protocol for conditions related to heart disease, but today we know that fat is needed and that certain fats, like saturated fat, aren’t quite as bad as we initially thought. But unsaturated fats (the ones that are liquid at room temperature) are the healthiest. In fact, one study found that individuals lowered their diastolic pressure—the lower number in the reading, that measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is at rest—when they ate a diet with fat from olive oil and nuts, compared to those who ate low-fat.

These results back up the thinking that the key to cardiovascular health isn’t to cut out all fats, but rather to opt for the healthier ones such as olive oil. This heart-healthy fat is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, and it also contains oleocanthal, a unique compound that has anti-inflammatory effects.

10. Beets

Don’t overlook this root vegetable, because beets are packed with nutrients that appear to improve blood circulation and reduce blood pressure. Not only are beets a top source of potassium, folate and the antioxidant vitamin C, but they also have naturally high levels of nitrates, which research has recently linked to reducing blood pressure.

Found in many fruits and vegetables, dietary nitrates are different from nitrites added to cured and processed foods. Instead, these get converted to nitrate oxide, a byproduct that relaxes muscles, allowing blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure to decrease.

Disparities in housing, employment, and health care have contributed to poor health in racial and ethnic minority communities. This can increase the likelihood of developing hypertension (high blood pressure), which can then increase the risk of heart disease.¹

Even more, historically marginalized groups like Black people have a harder time accessing high-quality medical care when they need it, underscoring the importance of preventing chronic diseases such as hypertension before they begin.²

High blood pressure can thicken the arteries, causing undue stress on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, the heart must work harder and harder to overcome this pressure until it eventually gives out.

This article addresses how high blood pressure increases heart disease risk in Black people.

What Is Considered High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure consistently above 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is considered high.

Race and High Blood Pressure

According to a 2018 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, 75.5% of Black men and 75.7% of Black women who participated in the study went on to develop high blood pressure by the age of 55 years. This is compared to 54.5% of White men and 40% of White women.³

High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of heart disease in the Black community.³

Still, these numbers are likely an underestimation due to a lack of access to care (and some reluctance to seek care even when it is available), low socioeconomic status, and lower health literacy rates (the degree that which people have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand health information).

Why High Blood Pressure Is a Risk Factor for Heart Disease 

High blood pressure levels over a long period of time can thicken your heart muscle and blood vessels, changing the structure and function of these tissues and putting you at risk of heart failure.

High blood pressure not only damages the heart but may also affect other organs of the body—like the kidneys, brain, and liver—putting even more stress on the body and further exacerbating (worsening) your high blood pressure. 

Even at chronically high levels, high blood pressure can show little or no symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as “the silent killer.”

In fact, some people are unaware that they have high blood pressure and only find out after it’s too late. This underlines the importance of:⁴

• Prevention
• Early detection
• Initiating prompt treatment 

Underlying Cause of High Blood Pressure Disparities

The causes of ethnic and racial inequalities that give rise to high blood pressure disparities are complex.

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure in Black People

Black people are 40% more likely to have high blood pressure than White people.⁵

Factors that likely contribute to such a disparity in high blood pressure for Black people include:⁶

• Substandard insurance coverage
• Poor access to health care
• Lower rates of health literacy
• Socioeconomic status

Additionally, evidence suggests that the longer immigrants of any race live in the United States, the more likely they are to develop high blood pressure.⁶

One major culprit of high blood pressure that may explain this phenomenon is the adoption of the Southern diet—one that includes a high intake of fried foods, organ meats, processed meats, eggs, egg dishes, added fats, high-fat dairy foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and bread.

Not only has this been identified as a key reason for the racial gap in high blood pressure, but it also helps to explain the heart disease disparities that are seen among Black people who live in the South compared to other parts of the country.⁷

Of note, gaps exist in the medication compliance (how well a person adheres to taking their prescriptions on time, at the right dose, and at the correct frequency) of antihypertensive therapies (blood pressure medication)—they are highest for non-Hispanic whites and lowest for Hispanics, with Black people falling in between.⁸

The Link Between Stress, Racism, and High Blood Pressure

Racism is a special kind of stress that impacts Black people in a myriad of ways, including raising blood pressure.

Repeated exposure to discrimination and systemic inequity (unfairness within the system) is associated with biological aging of the cells, a phenomenon called biological weathering, which leads to genetic changes that age and lower the functioning of cells. 

Other Risk Factors 

The following lifestyle choices and behaviors increase your risk of being diagnosed with high blood pressure:⁹

• Eating an unhealthy diet: This is especially true for diets high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.
• Physical inactivity: The COVID-19 pandemic, the globalization of work schedules, and the digital shift that has taken place in almost every industry have contributed greatly to the new norm of living a sedentary lifestyle. The body needs regular physical activity to keep the heart and blood vessels strong and healthy. In fact, regular exercise lowers blood pressure. Without it, you are at a higher risk of hypertension.
• Obesity: Obesity is associated with high low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the “bad" cholesterol) levels and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the "good" cholesterol) levels and atherosclerosis (buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in the walls of the arteries). Together these conditions add stress to the heart and surrounding blood vessels.
• Excessive alcohol intake: Alcohol may directly contribute to raising one’s blood pressure. Generally, men have more wiggle room than women when it comes to alcohol intake and the development of high blood pressure, but, generally, the less alcohol you drink the better it is for your heart health. 
• Smoking: The carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) in cigarette smoke damage the heart and blood vessels. Also, nicotine—the addictive component of tobacco cigarettes—has been found to limit the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, forcing your heart to work harder than it ought to.
• Stress: Stress can temporarily raise blood pressure. Chronic stress can change the body in such a way that the body continues to keep blood pressure high well after the acute stressor is gone.

A normal blood pressure for an adult is less than 120/80 (120 over 80) mmHg. This means that the top number, called the systolic blood pressure, averages less than 120 mmHg, and the bottom number, your diastolic blood pressure, averages less than 80 mmHg.

If your systolic blood pressure is between 120 mmHg and 129 mmHg or your diastolic is higher than 80 mmHg, you are at risk of developing stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension. 

According to the new blood pressure guidelines put forth by the American Heart Association, stage 1 hypertension means that your systolic blood pressure is between 130 and 139 mmHg or your diastolic blood pressure is between 80 and 90 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension means that your systolic blood pressure is higher than 140 mmHg or your diastolic blood pressure is higher than 90 mmHg.¹⁰

An Integrative Treatment Approach

High blood pressure is something you can treat.

Below are treatment options for high blood pressure that you could discuss with your healthcare provider.

Medication

The four most common types of hypertension medication are:

• Thiazide diuretics
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium channel blockers

These are equally effective in lowering blood pressure, but recent research shows that ARBs and ACE inhibitors may not be as effective in Black people.¹¹

Therefore, Black Americans with stage 1 hypertension are generally started on a thiazide diuretic or calcium channel blockers. Why some drugs are more or less effective in some racial and ethnic groups remains a mystery. 

Lifestyle 

Combining medication with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes is the best way to achieve long-term blood pressure control and keep those levels at a healthy range.

The following lifestyle behaviors not only mitigate acute high blood pressure but may also be preventive in nature if started early:¹²

• Eat a heart-healthy, balanced diet consisting of fatty fish, leafy green vegetables (like kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce), and low-sugar fruits, limiting salt and saturated fat intake along the way.
• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Exercise regularly: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a volunteer panel of disease-prevention experts, recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (that is exercise that makes you break a sweat, like brisk walking or cycling) five times a week. 
• Never smoke, and limit alcohol.
• Get at least seven hours of sleep per night.
• Limit stress as much as possible. 

All high blood pressure medications have side effects. Be sure to discuss what they are with your healthcare provider before starting on one and always take your medication as prescribed. 

Stress Management 

Chronic stress can damage your heart over time. Like high blood pressure, it is a silent killer in and of itself. Even more, high levels of stress are associated with poor health habits like:¹³

• Late-night snacking
• Lack of exercise
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking

Limiting stress has immeasurable value in preventing hypertension. 

Taking breaks at work, talking to supportive friends, eating healthy, and going for a run after work or school are some ways that you can manage your stress.

The goal isn’t to avoid stress at all costs—that’s nearly impossible to do—but to find ways to address stressful situations in a healthy way and limit the amount of negative stress that you experience in your life.

Even more, working with a healthcare professional and/or a therapist can help you meet your heart health and blood pressure goals. 

Summary

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease in Black people.

High blood pressure disparities exist for a wide range of reasons, but differences in socioeconomic status, substandard insurance coverage, and poor access to health care are the primary determinants of disparities associated with poor high blood pressure control.

Still, there is no definitive answer for why high blood pressure is more common and more severe in Black people, but genetics and your environment likely play a role.

A Word From Verywell 

High blood pressure in the Black community is well-documented, and there are several innovative projects that have shown significant and sustained improvements in blood pressure control.

Lessening the racial-wealth gap and funding large-scale research projects that effectively recruit Black people are key to reversing the current trends in high blood pressure, which is serving as a silent killer in the Black community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is high blood pressure in Black Americans?

National surveys and large-scale studies have consistently found that Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) have significantly higher rates of hypertension compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Of note, Latinx and non-Latinx Asians (NHA) have lower rates than both groups.⁵

What’s the link between race and high blood pressure in America?

Black people in the United States are more likely to experience systemic racism and institutional inequality that results in substandard insurance coverage and poor access to health care. This can lead to poor high blood pressure control.⁷

How does high blood pressure affect the heart?

High blood pressure gradually remodels the heart and blood vessels and damages other organs, putting excess stress on the heart.⁹

How can I find a Black healthcare provider?

Black healthcare providers are more likely to provide culturally specific care—listening to their patients' concerns and empathizing with their plights. Two places Black people can find Black providers are Blackdoctor.org and FindABlackDoctor.com.

It must be noted that working with any provider, regardless of race, who can provide culturally competent care is much better than delaying care. Putting off care in search of finding the perfect Black provider is never recommended. 

SOURCES

1. Lackland DT. Racial differences in hypertension: implications for high blood pressure management. Am J Med Sci. 2014;348(2):135-138. doi:10.1097/MAJ.0000000000000308
2. Noonan AS, Velasco-Mondragon HE, Wagner FA. Improving the health of African Americans in the USA: an overdue opportunity for social justice. Public Health Reviews. 2016;37(1):12. doi:10.1186/s40985-016-0025-4
3. Thomas SJ, Booth JN, Dai C, et al. Cumulative incidence of hypertension by 55 years of age in blacks and whites: the cardia study. JAHA. 2018;7(14). doi:10.1161/jaha.117.007988
4. Mensah GA. Commentary: hypertension phenotypes: the many faces of a silent killer. Ethn Dis. 2019;29(4):545-548. doi:10.18865/ed.29.4.545
5. Office of Minority Health. Heart disease and African Americans.
6. Commodore‐Mensah Y, Ukonu N, Obisesan O, et al. Length of residence in the United States is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in immigrants: a contemporary analysis of the national health interview survey. JAHA. 2016;5(11). doi:10.1161/JAHA.116.004059
7. Howard G, Cushman M, Moy CS, et al. Association of clinical and social factors with excess hypertension risk in black compared with white us adults. JAMA. 2018;320(13):1338. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.13467
8. Gu A, Yue Y, Desai RP, Argulian E. Racial and ethnic differences in antihypertensive medication use and blood pressure control among US adults with hypertension: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003 to 2012. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2017;10(1):e003166. doi:10.1161/circoutcomes.116.003166
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure risk factors.
10. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 acc/aha/aapa/abc/acpm/ags/apha/ash/aspc/nma/pcna guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association task force on clinical practice guidelines. Hypertension. 2018;71(6). doi10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065
11. Helmer A, Slater N, Smithgall S. A review of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in Black patients with hypertension. Ann Pharmacother. 2018;52(11):1143-1151. doi:10.1177/1060028018779082
12. American Heart Association. Changes you can make to manage high blood pressure.
13. American Heart Association. Managing stress to control high blood pressure.

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the blood vessel walls is too strong.¹ High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease. Lowering your blood pressure with the following strategies can help protect your heart and keep you healthy.¹

1. Manage your weight.

Research suggests that obesity contributes to high blood pressure. Maintaining a weight that's healthy for you may help lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart, as excess weight can make the heart work harder to pump blood.²³

As part of your weight management strategy, be sure to eat balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins and get regular physical activity. Even a small amount of weight loss through these approaches can help improve blood pressure if you have excess weight.²³

2. Get enough regular physical activity.

Getting enough physical activity can help lower high blood pressure. Research suggests that sitting less and taking short breaks to walk or stand can make a difference, too. Some people lowered their blood pressure significantly just by moving more throughout the day.⁴

Talk to a healthcare provider about how much exercise may be right for you.

3. Drink less coffee.

Caffeine from coffee may increase blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease-related death.⁵

If you're a daily coffee drinker, think about cutting back. You can reduce how many cups of coffee you have each day, or switch out one of those cups for tea, which isn't associated with the same risk.⁵

4. Eat less sodium (salt).

Eating too much sodium can raise your blood pressure. Check your nutrition labels, choose fresh foods, rinse canned foods, and season meals with herbs instead of salt to cut back. Cooking at home more often is also a simple way to control how much sodium you eat.⁶

How much sodium is right for you can vary based on your unique medical history. Check with your healthcare provider to see what they recommend. In general, limiting your sodium intake to 1,000 milligrams per day may be most beneficial.⁶

5. Quit smoking.

Smoking raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease. The chemicals in tobacco smoke make your blood vessels stiff and narrow, forcing your heart to work harder. Smoking also:⁷

• Contributes to plaque buildup in arteries
• Lowers “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• Raises “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
• Increases triglycerides (blood fats)

Quitting smoking can help lower your blood pressure and risk of heart disease. Support groups may be helpful if you need help breaking the habit.⁷⁸

6. Limit your alcohol use.

A study of nearly 20,000 people found that the more alcohol someone drank, the higher their blood pressure became. Even small amounts of alcohol increased blood pressure, and the effects were seen in both men and women.⁹

To lower blood pressure, try limiting alcohol by:⁹

• Setting drink limits
• Choosing nonalcoholic options
• Drinking water between alcoholic drinks

7. Get good sleep often.

Research shows that getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night can reduce your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.¹⁰

Try these tips for better sleep:¹⁰

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on days you don't work.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine by avoiding screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before bed.
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to make it easier to fall and stay asleep
• Get regular exercise and manage stress to improve your sleep.

8. Manage your stress.

Stress can lead to unhealthy habits like smoking, overeating, and skipping exercise. When you're stressed, your body also releases the hormone adrenaline, which temporarily increases blood pressure.¹¹

Chronic (long-lasting) stress keeps your body in high alert for long periods, which may also contribute to high blood pressure and heart problems.¹¹

Prioritizing stress management can help protect your heart and improve your overall well-being. Try strategies such as:

• Get regular exercise.
• Foster social connections.
• Use relaxation techniques like meditation or listening to music.
• Carve out some time for yourself each day.

9. Take your medications as prescribed.

If your healthcare provider has prescribed blood pressure medication, taking it as prescribed is important for keeping blood pressure under control. Skipping doses or stopping the medication without your healthcare provider’s advice can cause blood pressure to rise¹²

Some foods, drinks, and supplements can also interfere with how your medicine works, so ask your healthcare provider if there are any things you should avoid. Let them know if you have side effects or trouble remembering your doses, too, so they can help.¹²

10. Work with your healthcare provider.

Along with your healthcare provider, you play a key role in managing your blood pressure. You can work together to create a self-management plan, track your blood pressure at home, and follow up on appointments.¹³

Your healthcare provider can also adjust your medications, offer lifestyle coaching, and provide support to overcome barriers like medication costs or side effects. It's important to trust your healthcare provider as a teammate in managing your health and blood pressure.¹³

Why It's Important To Monitor Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. It often has no symptoms, so monitoring it is the only way to know if it’s too high. Tracking your numbers over time can help you and your health care provider adjust your treatment plan as needed.¹

Regular monitoring also shows how lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, have affected your blood pressure. If you take medication, checking your blood pressure helps ensure it’s working properly, too.¹⁴

When To See a Healthcare Provider

If you have high blood pressure, it's important to see your healthcare provider at least once a year. You may need to consult with them throughout the year if you notice changes in your blood pressure.³

Sometimes, you may have episodes of low blood pressure, which may mean your medications need adjustment. Consult with a health care provider if you notice changes in your blood pressure or want to discuss alternate ways to lower your blood pressure.¹⁵

A Quick Review

To lower your blood pressure, it's important to take steps to increase your physical activity, get quality sleep, and decrease your sodium and alcohol intake.

The method that works best for reducing blood pressure will vary from person to person, so talk to a health care provider about the ideal strategies for you. Your healthcare provider can help develop a plan to achieve your goals.

SOURCES

1. American Heart Association. What is high blood pressure?.
2. Powell-Wiley TM, Poirier P, Burke LE, et al. Obesity and cardiovascular disease: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2021;143(21):e984-1010. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000973
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Managing high blood pressure.
4. Hall ME, Cohen JB, Ard JD, et al. Weight-loss strategies for prevention and treatment of hypertension: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Hypertension. 2021;78(5):e38-50. doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000202
5. Teramoto M, Yamagishi K, Muraki I, Tamakoshi A, Iso H. Coffee and green tea consumption and cardiovascular disease mortality among people with and without hypertension. JAHA. 2023;12(2):e026477. doi:10.1161/JAHA.122.026477.
6. American Heart Association. Shaking the salt habit to lower high blood pressure.
7. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Smoking risks.
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tips from former smokers - tips for quitting.
9. Di Federico S, Filippini T, Whelton PK, et al. Alcohol intake and blood pressure levels: A dose-response meta-analysis of nonexperimental cohort studies. Hypertension. 2023;80(10):1961-9. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.21224
10. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. How sleep affects your health.
11. American Heart Association. Stress and heart health.
12. MedlinePlus. High blood pressure medications.
13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Team-based care to improve blood pressure control.
14. American Heart Association. Understanding blood pressure readings.
15. American Heart Association. Your health care team.