Blood pressure is the force of blood on the inside of your artery walls. The measure of this force is called BP. When you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work harder to push blood through your arteries, which can cause damage to your heart and other organs.
In the United States, more than 2 of every 3 adults have high BP. More than 1 of every 7 has borderline high blood pressure. High BP is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death.
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Prevention is Key
Preventing high BP can save lives. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 adults – 65 million Americans – who have pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension, can prevent it from becoming full-blown high BP by making healthy choices such as exercising, managing stress, and having a healthier diet.
When combined with regular physical activity and a healthy diet, several high BP medications can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, and lower the risk of death from any cause. Unfortunately, many people don’t take their high blood pressure medications or stick to lifestyle changes.
Only about 1 in 3 adults with high BP has it under control. That means 2 of every 3 people with high blood pressure don’t have it under control – that’s over 50 million Americans! That’s why it’s critical for everyone to learn what they can do to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke by managing their blood pressure.
What can I do to reduce my risk?
Taking care of yourself and managing your blood pressure may seem like a lot, but it pays off. There are 4 major things you can do: manage stress, stay active and fit, eat better, and take your medication as prescribed. You can learn more about them below!
Lowering Your Blood Pressure
There are many ways for people to lower their BP without medications. Losing weight if they are overweight or obese, quitting cigarette smoking, controlling diabetes by getting regular physical activity and healthy food choices, and lowering stress levels can all lead to lower blood pressure. These lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease caused by high BP.
High Blood Pressure Medications
Several high BP medications can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, and lower the risk of death from any cause. By lowering your BP with these medicines, you may also reduce your chances of having to have surgery to unblock coronary arteries or bypass surgery to improve blood flow around clogged arteries in your heart.
However, it’s important to note that high blood pressure medications do not cure high blood pressure. The only way you can lower your BP is by keeping track of it yourself and making healthy lifestyle choices as outlined above!
Make sure you get the rest you need, avoid smoking, stay active and fit, and make sure to take your high BP medication as prescribed by your doctor. If you’re having a hard time managing your blood pressure, ask your doctor if there’s anything you can do to help manage it!
Conclusion
Spikes in blood pressure can put excess stress on your heart and damage your arteries. High blood pressure is the most common chronic health problem among Americans, but making healthy choices can help you manage it and reduce your risk of other diseases like stroke and heart disease.
If you’re already at high risk for heart disease or stroke, taking care of yourself and managing your BP is even more important. With regular physical activity and a healthy diet, you’ll be able to lower your BP and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems caused by high blood pressure.
Managing stress. Being active or fit. Eating better. Taking your medicine as prescribed. These are all important things you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, and they’re all things that people should know about when it comes to BP.
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