1. Know your blood pressure. Have it checked regularly.
2. Know what your weight should be. Keep it at or below that level.
3. Don't use too much salt in cooking or at meals. Avoid salty foods.
4. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain high-fiber foods according to American Heart Association recommendations.
5. Limit alcohol intake. Don't have more than one drink a day if you're a woman or two a day if you're a man.
6. Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Don't run out of pills even for a single day.
7. Keep appointments with the doctor.
8. Follow your doctor's advice about physical activity.
9. Make certain the people you care about understand their risks of developing high blood pressure.
10. Know that every step counts in managing your blood pressure.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 11/13/09.