The steps you can take to help prevent high blood pressure are similar to the lifestyle changes recommended to treat the disease once it has been diagnosed.  Steps include following a healthy diet that limits sodium, alcohol, and caffeine intake; losing weight if you are overweight or obese, getting enough physical activity, quitting tobacco use and  learning to manage stress and cope with stress. Taking these steps can help prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure and associated health problems. This is especially important if you have risk factors for high blood pressure such as a family history of high blood pressure or existing prehypertension.