@ethanmcconkey Thanks for the tag in regard to this topic. I can suggest through my husband's experience, as he has heart problems. I have diabetes 2 and heart concerns are a part of diabetes too, so we both deal with heart issues. The information we have and know is from a wonderful team of doctors who have been treating my husband since 2011 when he had a heart attack and open heart surgery for quad bypass and aorta replacement. All of this came after he had had two catherizations to insert eight stents to open the arteries. From the doctors, I learned that high blood pressure can be inherited, like most diseases, or it can be the result of lifestyle. My husband apparently inherited his proclivity for the disease. After the surgery, his doctors met with me and explained what we had to do going forward. To control blood pressure, the right medicine is important to give the heart some help. This is sometimes trial and error and has to be changed depending on the circumstances. Once the meds are in balance, a healthy diet is necessary. It does often mean giving up favorite foods. So, our way of cooking and eating changed. No salt; no fried foods, little fat, limited red meat, vegetables, fruits, and limited sweets. That worked for blood pressure and also for diabetes. Included in his treatment is rest and relaxation and some exercise, but not gym rat level. He is 78 years old and is the same weight as he was in high school, so he does not need to lose weight. It seems that with every illness it is an individual program. The best way to find out what we should do is to listen to our cardiologist and PCP who know best.
Carol