You should always implement lifestyle habits before moving onto any specific medications to lower your blood pressure. You may find that some changes in your lifestyle are sufficient to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level. Such changes should include getting regular exercise, following a healthy diet, reducing sodium intake, losing excess weight, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting all tobacco use.

Here are some ways you can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Control high blood pressure. About 60 million people in the U.S. have hypertension, or high blood pressure, making it the most common heart disease risk factor. Nearly one in three adults has systolic blood pressure (the upper number) over 140, and/or diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) over 90, which is the definition of hypertension. Like cholesterol, blood pressure interpretation should be individualized, taking into account your entire risk profile. If treatment is warranted, today's blood pressure medications are effective, safe and easy to take.

Quit smoking. Smokers have more than twice the risk for heart attack as nonsmokers and are much more likely to die if they suffer a heart attack. Smoking is also the most preventable risk factor. If you smoke, quit. Better yet, never start smoking at all.

Improve cholesterol levels. The risk for heart disease increases as your total amount of cholesterol increases. A total cholesterol level over 200, a HDL, or "good" cholesterol level under 40, or a LDL, or "bad" cholesterol level over 160 indicates an increased risk for heart disease. Of course, interpretation of cholesterol values must be individualized, taking into account all of your risk factors for heart disease. A diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat will lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for heart disease.

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts significant strain on your heart and worsens several other heart disease risk factors such as diabetes. Research is showing that obesity itself increases heart disease risk. By eating right and exercising, you can lose weight and reduce your risk of heart disease. (American Heart Association).

However, even if you do need medication, you still should maintain a healthy weight, be physically active, follow a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, choose and prepare foods with less salt and sodium, and if you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. Doing so will help your medication work better and may reduce how much of it you need.