High Blood Pressure (also known as Hypertension), is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries that carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage your heart and cause health problems if it stays high for a long time. About 75 million American adults have high blood pressure, but many don’t even know they have it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1,100 deaths per day can be attributed to high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk for dangerous health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, chronic heart failure and kidney disease.
Having certain medical conditions can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure, so it’s important to monitor your readings regularly. Unhealthy behaviors can also increase your risk for high blood pressure. You can help prevent high blood pressure by making healthy choices and managing any health conditions you may have:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get enough physical activity
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol use
Because high blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, it is often referred to as the “silent killer.” There’s only one way to know whether you have high blood pressure: Have a doctor or other health professional measure it. Measuring your blood pressure is quick and painless. Visit an American Family Care location near you for a blood pressure assessment today.
When left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to many health issues. But, with proper treatment and management, you can control your blood pressure to help you live a long and healthy life.
