What should a nurse emphasize to a patient regarding the management of their hypertension?

Emphasizing the importance of lifestyle and dietary changes alongside medication is crucial for effective hypertension management. While medications can help control blood pressure, they are most effective when combined with lifestyle modifications. These changes may include adopting a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and reducing sodium consumption. Such modifications not only help lower blood pressure but also contribute to overall cardiovascular health.

Managing hypertension is often viewed as a lifelong commitment. Patients need to understand that simply relying on medications without making these necessary lifestyle changes can lead to inadequate control of their blood pressure and increase the risk of complications. Consequently, incorporating these changes is not only supportive of medication treatment but can also lead to improvements in overall health and long-term outcomes for individuals with hypertension.