<P> Many expert groups recommend a slightly higher target of 150 / 90 mmHg for those over somewhere between 60 and 80 years of age . The JNC - 8 and American College of Physicians recommend the target of 150 / 90 mmHg for those over 60 years of age, but some experts within these groups disagree with this recommendation . Some expert groups have also recommended slightly lower targets in those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease with protein loss in the urine, but others recommend the same target as for the general population . The issue of what is the best target and whether targets should differ for high risk individuals is unresolved, but current best evidence supports more intensive blood pressure lowering than advocated in some guidelines . </P> <P> The first line of treatment for hypertension is lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, physical exercise, and weight loss . Though these have all been recommended in scientific advisories, a Cochrane systematic review found no evidence for effects of weight loss diets on death, long - term complications or adverse events in persons with hypertension . The review did find a decrease in blood pressure . Their potential effectiveness is similar to and at times exceeds a single medication . If hypertension is high enough to justify immediate use of medications, lifestyle changes are still recommended in conjunction with medication . </P> <P> Dietary changes shown to reduce blood pressure include diets with low sodium, the DASH diet, vegetarian diets, and green tea consumption . </P> <P> Increasing dietary potassium has a potential benefit for lowering the risk of hypertension . The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) stated that potassium is one of the shortfall nutrients which is under - consumed in the United States . </P>

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