 | High Blood Pressure - Silent Killer
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According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure is a primary or contributing cause of death for over 200,000 American women and men annually. An estimated 50 million Americans have this "silent killer." The cause of 90 to 95 percent of high blood pressure is not known; however, it is easily detected and usually controllable. Blood pressure is the force exerted against your arteries and is measured in two values. Systolic, the first or top number, is the pressure inside arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic, the bottom number, is the pressure between beats when the heart relaxes.Ideal blood pressure is 120 systolic over 80 diastolic, or lower.High blood pressure is above 140 systolic over 90 diastolic.Who is at higher risk? - People with close blood relatives who have high blood pressure
- African-Americans and white males
- People over 35
- Overweight people
- People who use too much salt or alcohol
- Women who take contraceptives
- Pregnant women
What can I do about high blood pressure? - Lose weight, if you are overweight
- Become physically active
- Choose foods low in salt
- Limit alcohol intake
- If prescribed, take high blood pressure medication
- Stop smoking
- Reduce intake of dietary saturated fat and cholesterol
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For more information about high blood pressure, call 1-800-AFA-USA1, or visit www.americanheart.org. |
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