Q. Patient care plan for hypertensives?

- Lifestyle changes: Avoiding smoking, use of tobacco, and excess alcohol intake Physical activity like walking, 4 times a week or 40 minutes, is beneficial.

- Medications: Diuretics, calcium channel blockers and others should be consumed regularly.

- Nutritious balanced diet: The diet of a hypertensive should be nutritious.

It should be low in calories (if required) and fat with a normal protein content. It should be low in sodium but rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium and fibre. Currently the DASH diets are recommended, these are rich in fruits and vegetables, non-fat dairy products and low in total as well as saturated fats.