Hypertension is especially dangerous, because it often gives no warning signs or symptoms.

Fortunately, you can find out if you have high blood pressure by having your blood pressure checked regularly. If it is high, you can take steps to lower it. Just as important, if your blood pressure is normal, you can learn how to keep it from rising.

How Can I Prevent Hypertension?

You can prevent hypertension by:

Maintaining a healthy weight: A healthy weight and exercise will help you to control the BP and reduce the risk of other health problems.

Be active: Being active helps you not only to manage blood pressure and weight but also strengthen your heart and manage stress levels. 

Reducing salt intake: Cutting down on salt intake helps to lower the blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends consuming less than 1500 mg of sodium a day.

Limit alcohol, if taken: Excess alcohol consumption can elevate your blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends if you drink, limit the drink to no more than two drinks a day for men and no more than one drink a day for women.

Quit smoking: Smoking has been proven to cause high blood pressure. In order to reduce the risk factor for heart attack and stroke, avoid tobacco and smoking. 

There are some nutrients which may also help in reducing the blood pressure. 

Potassium: Consuming foods which are a rich source of potassium helps to lessen the effects of the sodium. Some potassium rich foods are sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, mushroom, peas, tomatoes and tomatoes juice, orange and orange juice etc. 

Calcium: Studies have shown that high intake of dietary calcium helps in lowering blood pressure. As calcium plays a vital role in the constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, it lowers the blood pressure. Few calcium rich foods are skimmed or fat free milk, low fat cheese, low fat yogurt, tofu, broccoli, spinach etc. 

Magnesium: Magnesium in your diet may help in reducing the blood pressure. Some of magnesium rich foods are spinach, chard, nuts and seeds, whole grains etc 

Omega 3 fatty acids: Several studies suggest that diets rich in omega 3 fatty acids help in lowering blood pressure. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids are flax seeds, walnuts, mackerel, salmon, sardines etc.