High Blood Pressure

From Senior Planet Resource Exchange

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CAN BE CONTROLLED

Blood pressure is defined as the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it flows throughout your body. When blood pressure stays above normal levels for several readings, it is called high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension makes the heart work harder and can damage blood vessels in your brain, heart and kidneys. If left untreated, it can cause conditions such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease.

LEARN YOUR RISK
High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because there are often no signs or symptoms. Nearly one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure, and nearly one-third don't know they have it. Although the exact cause of hypertension is unknown, there are several factors and conditions that may contribute to its development.

RISK FACTORS

• History of high blood pressure or heart disease in family.
• Having diabetes or a family history of diabetes.
• Age. In general, as one ages, the greater the chance of developing hypertension,since it occurs most often in people 35 and older.
• Race. African-Americans are more likely to develop hypertension and, when they do, it tends to ccur earlier and be more severe.
• Obesity.
• Too much sodium or salt intake.
• Heavy and regular use of alcohol.
• Lack of physical activity or exercise.
• Smoking.
• Stress.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Make an appointment with your doctor,and have your blood pressure checked.
High Blood Pressure cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

MANAGE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
If you have hypertension, work together with your doctor to reduce it, usually through lifestyle changes and possibly drug therapy.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

• Quitting smoking.
• Losing weight is you are overweight or obese.
• Eating a healthy diet with more fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products, and less saturated and total fat.
• Reducing the amount of salt in your diet.
• Limiting alcohol consumption.
• Exercising regularly.

Source/Information: HIP - TODAY, Summer 2007

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