A healthy diet is essential regardless of an individual's cardiovascular risk profile. Many studies, including Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), have provided evidence of the heart and vascular benefits of specific dietary guidelines.

An early adjustment in dietary choices may prevent and/or improve high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and consequently other health-related problems.

If an increase in blood pressure with age could be prevented or weakened, many illnesses, such as high blood pressure, heart, vascular and kidney disease, and stroke, could be prevented.

Sodium: The key source of sodium in Western diets is processed food, for instance, disproportionate amounts of salt are contained in packaged and prepared foods. The DASH trial evaluated the effects of variable sodium consumption in addition to the DASH diet and reported that lowering sodium intake decreases blood pressure intensities.

At this time, mean sodium intake of the population is approximately 4,100 mg per day for men and 2,750 mg per day for women, 75% of which derives from processed foods. According to the guidelines dietary sodium should be reduced to no more than 100 mmol per day (2.4 g of sodium).

Alcohol: Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1 oz (30 mL) of ethanol, the equivalent of two drinks per day for most men and no more than 0.5 oz of ethanol (one drink) per day for women and lighter-weight persons. A single drink is equivalent to 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor. Moderate alcohol consumption can reduce systolic blood pressure by 2-4 mm/Hg.

Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than two drinks per day in most men and no more than one drink per day in women and lighter-weight persons.

Caffeine: Caffeine may result in high blood pressure; however, this effect is usually temporary. Moderate intake of caffeine per day does not significantly increase blood pressure. Coffee intake should be less than two cups per day.