"The Silent Killer"

April 3, 2012

It's true what they say, "Knowledge is power", or at least it is in this example. If you know you have high blood pressure you then have the opportunity to lower it, and the sooner you take that first step the better.

Many people have high blood pressure for many years without knowing about it. High blood pressure is often termed the Silent Killer because it usually has no symptoms. The only way to find out if your blood pressure is elevated is to have your blood pressure checked.

Recommendations
High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as an adult having a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.

Blood Pressure	Systolic	Diastolic
Optimal	Less than 120	Less than 80
Normal	Less than 130	Less than 85
High Normal	130 - 139	85 - 89
Hypertension	140 or higher	90 or higher

Elevated blood pressure is harmful to the body because it causes the heart to work harder than normal, leaving both the heart and arteries more prone to injury. High blood pressure also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and damage to the eyes, kidney failure, atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure. High blood pressure combined with other risks, such as obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol or diabetes greatly increases the risk for heart attack or stroke. 

When high blood pressure persists without treatment, the heart must work harder to pump enough blood and oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. When the heart is over-worked for extended periods of time, the heart tends to enlarge and weaken. Arteries also suffer from elevated blood pressure, becoming scarred, hardened and less elastic over time. 

Treating High Blood Pressure
Treatment may include a low-fat, low-salt diet, losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and getting more exercise You and your doctor can determine the most effective treatment for you.. In addition, many medications can be used to reduce and control your high blood pressure. With effective monitoring and treatment, you can help control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke, kidney and heart failure and heart attack.

For more wellness tips, go to http://dcwellnesswednesday.blogspot.com/

Nancy Larson @ my.healthiswealth@comcast.net