[1] Simple dietary changes can make a real difference for people living with hypertension, or high blood pressure . You can cut back on excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and added sugars to reduce your blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. That said, healthy eating isn’t always straightforward for people living with high blood pressure. “Most of the sodium Americans eat doesn't come from the salt shaker, but from packaged and restaurant foods,” Dr. Young says. When making these dietary shifts, it’s important to keep in mind that lifestyle changes are meant to complement your medical treatment and not replace the guidance or medications your healthcare provider suggests.