One of your patients, Nancy, was recently diagnosed with Stage One [mild] hypertension  with her blood pressure consistently around 140/90 mmHg. She is 64 years old and was once an avid walker but has been sedentary since her walking partner – her spouse of 30 years – passed away three years ago. 

Nancy has a family history of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis but is otherwise healthy. She does not take any medications and, if given the choice, would prefer not to start an antihypertensive. You decide to explore her thoughts on incorporating more physical activity in her daily routine. She is agreeable, but she is worried about her fall risk as her mother was 65 when she fell and fractured her hip. She admits her physical activity of choice would be to start walking again, if she could find the will to do so. Motivation is hard without her walking partner.

You explain the wide-ranging benefits of physical activity on cardiovascular disease, falls risk, bone health, and particularly on hypertension. You explain to her that regular exercise can reduce requirements for medication and that (brisk) walking is often enough. You address her barriers to become physically active and complete a risk assessment.