Article: You'll need to follow your doctor's recommendations following treatment. Be prompt and consistent when checking in with your primary physician. You'll need to work together to create target goals for your blood pressure. Usually, you're goal will be to get your blood pressure to less than 140/90. Make sure you consume no more than 2,000mg of sodium a day. Too much sodium can increase your blood pressure and put you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Make sure you're eating fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods. These items can high high sodium contents. Refrain from buying canned goods, since they contain salt in order to preserve the color and to keep the food fresh. If you do purchase canned goods, look for low-sodium or no-salt options. Although activity will be limited until you are out of the hospital, you can resume normal activities and exercise once your blood pressure has stabilized. You can do aerobic (cardio), resistance or weight training, and isometric resistance training. These all work to decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is pressure measuring when your heart contracts while diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats. Adults should exercise a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes a week, according to the Surgeon General. Try to do a moderate-intensity exercise like walking, biking or swimming. If you're obese, your arteries have to work harder to supply your body with blood which raises your blood pressure. Determine your Body Mass Index (BMI) using an online calculator. According to the Centers for Disease Control, if you have a BMI of 30 or higher, you're considered obese. Work to lose weight and reduce your BMI to within the range of 25 and 30. Reduce your caloric intake and exercise regularly. This is the safest way to lose weight. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen going to your heart, increases your blood pressure and heart rate, increases blood clotting, and damages cells that line your coronary arteries and other blood vessels. If you are a current smoker, you are more prone to high blood pressure, which could possibly lead to malignant hypertension. If you're having difficulty quitting or cutting back, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to offer supplemental medications or counseling to aid in quitting.

What is a summary?
Work with your doctor. Maintain a low sodium diet. Exercise to improve your heart function. Lose weight, if you are obese. Stop smoking.