I was diagnosed with hypertension last year. My blood pressure had gradually crept up as I put on more and more weight. Also, my addiction to nicotine gum doesn't help matters much, either! Thankfully, since I've lost some weight, we've been able to decrease the amount of blood pressure medication that I'm on. I hope to be able to stop taking it entirely soon.

Below are links to some sites that will give you lots of information, and even some motivation to help take care of yourself and your heart:s

Heart Information Network
Extensive site devoted to heart health.

American Heart Association
Very extensive site from a great organization. Check out your local office, if there's one nearby-they have great booklets and workshops.

CardioWeb
Sponsored by the University of Florida.

The DASH Diet
This diet was shown in clinical studies to reduce blood pressure, even if weight was not lost.

Delicious Decisions from the American Heart Association
Recipes, and nutrition information in an easy-to-use format. (Some pages do take a while to load, though.)

Woman's Day Magazine - Your Body
Great site with information about heart health geared specifically toward women. Includes recipes, too!

The People's Pharmacy Guide to Blood Pressure Treatments
Excellent guide to treatments for hypertension, as well as non-drug options, and the factors that can cause false blood pressure readings.

My BP - Take Control of your Blood Pressure
Useful site for support and information, as well as tools to keep track of how you're doing.

Even Without Weight Loss, Exercise Helps the Heart
Exercise will benefit your heart, even if it doesn't result in weight loss.