You think you're healthy; you're at a good weight, you work out, you try to eat right. But have you checked your blood pressure lately?
High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because people often aren't aware that their blood pressure is elevated. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease.
The American Heart Association and MCG Health System recommend the early, aggressive treatment of high blood pressure. Every year 400,000 Americans are diagnosed with high blood pressure. Start taking steps now to prevent the onset of this risk factor for heart disease.
Step 1: Have your blood pressure evaluated annually. Stop by local health fairs, pharmacies or your doctor's office to check your blood pressure. Old recommendations suggested that a blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg was normal. But new research indicates that those with blood pressures between 120-139 mm Hg systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic are in a prehypertension range and more likely to develop high blood pressure. Your blood pressure should be below 120/80 mm Hg.
Step 2: Learn the risk factors. You're more likely to have high blood pressure if your parents had it, if you're African-American or if you're male. Blood pressure also tends to increase with age, and those with diabetes, gout and kidney disease or pregnant women are more likely to have high blood pressure. Controllable risk factors are related to diet and health management.
Step 3: Take control. If you're overweight, lose weight to reduce thestrain on your heart. Get regular physical activity, and limit alcohol to no more than one or two drinks per day. Stop smoking, aim for a healthy low-sodium diet and try to reduce the stress in your life. Check with your physician to find out if any medications or oral contraceptives you're taking could raise your blood pressure.
Step 4: Visit your physician. If you have high blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher), you need to be evaluated by a physician to determine a course of treatment. Options include lifestyle changes and/or medication.
By recognizing and taking control of the risk factors, you can help prevent high blood pressure. Educate yourself today to prevent heart disease tomorrow.