The science is settled, pharmaceuticals are the only way.
* Lots of people aren't prepared to make the level of change required and so medication can be a better option; and
* Medication will probably reduce risk a lot faster than lifestyle adjustment if things are already dire.
fix I'm not so sure, but help, that is true.
I have hypertension myself, it's been in my family for generations, it's a moderate hypertension, but no kind of diet could lower it.
Drugs did in a very short amount of time and they are both cheap and had no consequences whatsoever.
Not really although it can certainly help. There is evidence that there is a profound change (infection of some sort) in the Kidney and at some point that causes a run away inflammatory response that leads to Hypertension, it is an autoimmune condition that is extremely difficult to manage or get rid of. They believe it may be responsible for a great deal of Essential hypertension in adults today.
I'm on drugs for hypertension and they cost me less than 10 euros a month and that's if I go buy them at the pharmacy, if my doctor makes me a prescription they are free for me and I'm sure the government pay them a lot less than a private citizen.
They also fall into the category of generic drugs, most of the time they are manufactured in my country by Italian companies.
A 30-day supply of Lipitor - I think, the most-prescribed drug in America? - is something like $150–200. Our cost was something like a dollar and we'd sell it for something like ten.
I'm on lercanidipine and ramipril, a month worth of pills cost 2.50 euros for the former and 3.80 euros for the latter.
both are manufactured in Italy.
Diet and exercise can help, but they take time (serious time for some people) and are expensive. As part of dealing with blood pressure, I switched to cooking my own meals (the salt and cholesterol levels in all restaraunt or ready-to-go meals, not just fast food, are horrifying) but that's a significant time investment and generally just as or more expensive than fast food. I can afford to do that, but someone working two minimum wage jobs just to pay the rent likely can't. Similarly, it's possible for some people with the luxury of working from home and enough income to afford a space with exercise equipment to hop on an exercise bike for one of their many pointless 30 minute meetings each day, but someone who has to live outside the city and commute a few hours in will have much more trouble with that.
Drugs work and work fast. My BP was in the 150/100 range and meds brought it down to 115/80 within a week or two. I've been dropping weight and with any luck in the future could go off the meds if I'm able to hold at a lower level, but that requires constant maintenance. They're a great option for many people.
In the article, you will find that Dr. Houston does recommend these lifestyle changes and reduction of medications to the extent possible. That extent is entirely. Not that you will achieve it, but it is something you could do, if you so chose.
Diet and excersize are not expensive and largely can reduce expenses. Walking a few miles a day is adequate. No equipment nor subscription is necessary.
Investigate "five ingredient dinner" or "five minute meals" if time is really pressing. Alternatively, engage with family during the preparation of a meal, get them to join and contribute. This can give kids a valuable life skill and help cut down on screen time and sedentary home life
I can go to the store, buy a few dollars of rice, beans, tomatoes, and so on, cook dinner and clean it up, but this is hours of my day every day and the tomatoes and any leafy greens will start going bad rapidly. Alternatively, on my way home from work I can stop by Wendy's, get the four for four combo and get a thousand calories in two minutes for four dollars plus tax. It is more expensive in dollars and dramatically more expensive in time to eat healthy. For people working hourly jobs to survive, people with children who value the ability to spend their few non-working hours a day with them, and so many other cases, there is a very real cost.
There is a very vocal segment on the internet, traditionally of upper middle class (or upper class) folks born into wealth that say "why can't everyone just restrain themselves and be healthy" in the same tone of voice as one might say "why wouldn't they just ask their personal trainer for tips" or "what can a banana cost, ten dollars?". They're out of touch with the reality of a huge chunk of society.
Further you have framed my position as one of luxury, but this is just a stereotypical additude of people that aren't willing to do the necessary things.
Are you arguing for your family or just some theoretical family? I suggested "5 minute meals", which are really meals you can make in five minutes or thereabouts. Search for one. There are few apartments I've seen in years that don't have dishwashers and I would know, I grew up without. Dishes don't take hours unless you never do them and have a massive pile to wash. Washing a plate and fork takes minutes. Do that when you finish eating instead if placing them aside in a pile.
Spending time with family or kids is what you make it. Teach your kids to cook and they will have that skill for life. It's called active engagement. Cooking is not a chore, it's a fulfilling activity where you can become an expert and make things others enjoy.
Walking is free. You just have to get up and walk. The healthiest and longest lived people on earth eat simple diets and walk 2-3 miles per day. Often to the store. Read about the Japanese or Sicilians.
I just saw bananas on the shelf for 19 cents a piece. I bought one.