The National High Blood Pressure Education Program Coordinating Committee
published its first statement on the primary prevention of hypertension in
1993. This article updates the 1993 report, using new and further evidence
from the scientific literature. Current recommendations for primary prevention
of hypertension involve a population-based approach and an intensive targeted
strategy focused on individuals at high risk for hypertension. These 2 strategies
are complementary and emphasize 6 approaches with proven efficacy for prevention
of hypertension: engage in moderate physical activity; maintain normal body
weight; limit alcohol consumption; reduce sodium intake; maintain adequate
intake of potassium; and consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat
dairy products and reduced in saturated and total fat. Applying these approaches
to the general population as a component of public health and clinical practice
can help prevent blood pressure from increasing and can help decrease elevated
blood pressure levels for those with high normal blood pressure or hypertension.