May 17th is World Hypertension Day!

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which blood pressure rises to unhealthy levels. Blood pressure readings look at how much blood passes through blood vessels and the amount of resistance it meets while the heart is pumping. The narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure will be. If left untreated, hypertension can damage artery walls and lead to strokes and heart attacks.

To understand what your blood pressure numbers mean, go to: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/KnowYourNumbers/Understanding-Blood-Pressure-Readings_UCM_301764_Article.jsp#.Wr6XOy7wbIU

Based on the new American College of Cardiovascular and American Heart Association guidelines 130/80 mm Hg (rather than the previous guideline of 140/90 mm Hg) is now used for the detection, prevention, management, and treatment of high blood pressure. With this change it is estimated that nearly 50% of American adults will now be diagnosed with hypertension. Factors contributing to hypertension include: age, genetics, stress, environment, overweight/obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle choices such as lack of physical activity and poor diet.

However, high blood pressure can be prevented, but early detection is key! Regular blood pressure checks allow you and your health care provider to identify and monitor any changes and to implement interventions. Treatment for hypertension can include both medication and healthy lifestyle changes such as reducing sodium, caffeine, and alcohol intake, increasing physical activities and exercise, maintaining healthy body weight, managing stress, and consuming a diet that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low/no-fat dairy products, and lean proteins.

It is important to remember that an average of your blood pressure readings taken over time is a more accurate assessment of your blood pressure level. Ideally, your blood pressure should be taken by a health care professional at least once a year and more often if your readings are high. By implementing changes now to lower your blood pressure, you are not only improving your health status but also saving yourself much money in healthcare costs down the road.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:World_Hypertension_Day

Citations:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/High-Blood-Pressure-or-Hypertension_UCM_002020_SubHomePage.jsp

https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressure.html#summary