02/20/2026
One in three American adults has high blood pressure, and only about half of them have it under control.
How can I control my blood pressure?
Work with your health care professional to make a plan for managing your blood pressure. Be sure to follow these guidelines:
• Eat a healthy diet. Choose foods low in trans fat and sodium (salt). Most people in the United States consume more sodium than recommended.
o Everyone age 2 and up should consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day.
o Adults age 51 and older; African Americans of all ages; and people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease should consume even less than that: only 1,500 mg of sodium per day.
• Get moving. Staying physically active will help you control your weight and strengthen your heart. Try walking for 10 minutes, 3 times a day, 5 days a week.
• Take your medications. If you have high blood pressure, your health care professional may give you blood pressure medicine to help control it. It’s important to follow your health care professional’s instructions when taking the medication and to keep taking it even if you feel well. Tell your health care professional if the medicine makes you feel bad. Your health care team can suggest different ways to reduce side effects or recommend another medicine that may have fewer side effects
Source: MillionHearts.HHS.GOV
