Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure, or hypertension, are four times more likely to die from a stroke and three times more likely to die from heart disease than people with normal blood pressure. This February Heart Month, the CDC and Million Hearts — a national effort to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes in the United States by 2017 — are encouraging Americans to know their blood pressure, and if it’s high, to “make control their goal.”
High blood pressure often shows no signs or symptoms, which is why having your blood pressure checked regularly is so important. You can have your blood pressure screened at your doctor’s office, at one of RVNA’s free blood pressure clinics, or at RVNA’s upcoming Health and Wellness Fair on April 9, or check it at home yourself using a home blood pressure cuff.
If you do know you have high blood pressure, here are some steps to take to help get it under control: 1) ask your health care provider what it should be, and set a goal. Track your BP over time and record it on a card or app. 2) Take your BP medicine as directed. Set reminders to take it at the same time each day. If you need some assistance with remembering or paying for medication, talk to your health care team. 3) Quit smoking, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. 4) Reduce your sodium intake. Most people consume too much sodium, which can raise blood pressure. 5) Practice stress reduction techniques, such as relaxation exercises, meditation, and yoga. Managing stress can lower your risk of hypertension along with helping to prevent other health problems.
For more information on high blood pressure and heart health, these websites have great tips, articles, and recipes: cdc.gov/bloodpressure and millionhearts.hhs.gov/.
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