Currently practiced measures to prevent cardiovascular disease include:
- A low-fat, high-fiber diet including whole grains and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day)
- Tobacco cessation and avoidance of second-hand smoke;
- Limit alcohol consumption to the recommended daily limits; consumption of 1-2 standard alcoholic drinks per day may reduce risk by 30% However excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Lower blood pressures, if elevated, through the use of antihypertensive medications;
- Decrease body fat (BMI) if overweight or obese;
- Increase daily activity to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise per day at least five times per week;
- Decrease psychosocial stress. Stress however plays a relatively minor role in hypertension. Specific relaxation therapies are not supported by the evidence.
Routine counselling of adults to advise them to improve their diet and increase their physical activity has not been found to significantly alter behaviour, and thus is not recommended.
