|
Go back to Materials
Join the Mission and Know Your Numbers
for National High Blood Pressure Education Month
Knowing to call 911 in an emergency can save your
life. So can knowing your blood pressure numbers. Hopefully, they are less than
120/80 mmHg, which is normal.
If not, for National High Blood Pressure Education
Month, join the Mission to "Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure:" ask your
doctor what your blood pressure numbers are, what they mean, and what you can
do about them. Then do it.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls
of arteries and other blood vessels. It rises and falls during the day. When it
stays high over time, it becomes high blood pressure (also called
hypertension).
High blood pressure is dangerous. It increases your
chances of developing heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading
causes of death for Americans. It can also lead to other life-threatening
conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness.
More than 1 out of every 3 American adults currently
has high blood pressure. This includes about 2 out of every 3 Americans over
age 65. Once you reach age 55, your chances of developing high blood pressure
are 9 out of 10.
Fortunately, it is possible to prevent and control
high blood pressure. Often simple lifestyle changes can do the trick. These
include:
- Losing weight, if necessary, and maintaining a
healthy weight;
- Being physically active;
- Eating less salt and sodium;
- Following an eating plan rich in fruits and
vegetables and low fat dairy foods, moderate in total fat and cholesterol, and
low in saturated fat;
- If you drink alcoholic beverages, doing so in
moderation.
If these lifestyle changes aren't enough to reduce
your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication. Work closely with
your doctor to find the best dose, and then take your medication as your doctor
prescribes.
So join the Mission. Find out what your blood pressure
numbers are and what they mean; then make gradual lifestyle changes and, if
necessary, take your medications. It can save your life.
For more information on how to prevent and control
high blood pressure, visit "Your Guide to Controlling High Blood Pressure"
online at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html.
Go
back to Materials
|
