Watching your blood pressure
POSTED: May 12, 2008
May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, reports the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network.
High blood pressure affects more than 72 million—or 1 in 3—American adults.
High blood pressure often has no warning signs or symptoms and one can have it for years without knowing it.
Once it occurs, it usually lasts a lifetime, said the U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network.
If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to heart and kidney disease, stroke and blindness.
In the U.S., high blood pressure is a risk factor in:
— 67 percent of heart attacks.
— 77 percent of strokes.
— 74 percent of heart failure.
— 26 percent of chronic kidney disease.
It is important to know your blood pressure numbers, even when you’re feeling fine.
Strive for a blood pressure less than 120/80 mmHg.
Blood pressures in the range of 120-139/80-89 are considered to be pre-hypertension, while blood pressures of 140/90 or above are considered hypertension.
More than 70 percent of those with diabetes also have high blood pressure.
Those with diabetes or kidney disease should strive for a blood pressure less than 130/80.
“If your blood pressure is normal, work with your health care team to keep it that way,” said Ann Constance of U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network.
“If your blood pressure is too high, you need treatment to prevent damage to your body’s organs,” Constance said in a statement.
Lifestyle changes are essential in managing blood pressure.
Eating more fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and less sodium and getting regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week) have been shown to lower blood pressure in both men and women.
Many, however, will also require medications to manage the condition.
Take steps today to control your blood pressure for life.
The American Heart Association offers 10 ways to control your high blood pressure:
1. Know your blood pressure. Have it checked regularly.
2. Know what your weight should be. Keep it at or below that level.
3. Don’t use too much salt in cooking or at meals. Avoid salty foods.
4. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain high-fiber foods according to American Heart Association recommendations.
5. Control alcohol intake. Don’t have more than one drink a day if you’re a woman or two a day if you’re a man.
6. Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Don’t run out of pills even for a single day.
7. Keep appointments with the doctor.
8. Follow your doctor’s advice about physical activity.
9. Make certain your parents, brothers, sisters and children have their blood pressure checked regularly.
10. Live a normal life in every other way.
