HYPERTENSION

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE The Silent Killer High Blood Pressure • High Blood Pressure is called the silent killer. Over 50 million Americans have high blood pressure or one out of four. Since high blood pressure usually has no symptoms or side effects, a third of these people don’t know they have the disease. • Left untreated the results could be deadly, therefore the name the Silent Killer. Hypertension • Causes of high blood pressure: • High salt intake • Obesity • Family history • High alcohol use • Stress • Lack of exercise • Prevention & Treatment: • Weight reduction • Eating a low sodium diet • Exercising regularly • Low alcohol intake • Prescribed medication High Blood Pressure Measuring of Pressure Systolic pressure is the pressure of the blood flow when the heart beats,and is the top number. High blood is a number higher than 140. Ideal systolic is 120 or lower. Diastolic pressure is the pressure between heartbeats, and is the lower number. High blood is a number higher than 90. Ideal diastolic is 80 or below. Hypertension • High Blood Pressure left untreated can cause heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, hardening of the arteries, and other health problems. Hypertension • It is recommended that blood pressure be checked at least once a year. There is no cure for hypertension, and no symptoms until blood pressure is very high, and can cause life threatening health problems. It is a silent disease, thus called the Silent Killer. High blood pressure can be controlled with lifestyle changes, diet, and using prescribed medication.