High blood pressure, often
referred to as the “silent killer,” does not have any symptoms, but can cause
serious damage to arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke. Nearly one in
three adults in the United States has high blood pressure and many people
remain unaware of this condition because there are no symptoms.
A routine doctor’s appointment
often involves a health professional checking your blood pressure. The results
of this simple test may identify a condition that, when managed, could help
reduce your chances for stroke or heart attack.
The national high blood pressure
campaign, Measure Up/Pressure Down®, encourages adults
to get in control by making simple lifestyle changes, including:
1. Know your numbers –
Understanding what blood pressure is, and what your numbers are, is an
important first step. Work with your health care provider to determine your
individual blood pressure goals and treatment plan if your numbers are too
high.
2. Eat right – A diet with
excessive sodium (salt) can lead to higher blood pressure. Check food labels
before you buy and choose foods with less than 400 mgs of sodium per serving.
3. Stay active – By being active
at least 30 minutes a day at least 5 times a week, you can help reduce your
blood pressure.
4. Reduce stress – A stressful
situation can increase blood pressure for a short period of time. Try to reduce
the occurrence of these situations and look for healthy ways - like meditation
or walking - to help you deal with stress.
5. Set alcohol limits and
eliminate tobacco – Over time, consuming a high amount of alcohol can damage
the heart. Tobacco use and secondhand smoke can immediately raise blood
pressure levels and cause damage to the lining of arteries. If you’re
interested in quitting tobacco, call the Maine Tobacco HelpLine
1-800-207-1230.
6. Take medication – Your doctor
may recommend taking a blood pressure medication to keep levels steady. Be sure
to follow the directions provided for taking the medications to ensure you’re
getting the most benefit from them.
Through Measure Up/Pressure
Down®, you are encouraged to measure, monitor and maintain your blood pressure
level to stay in control of this health condition. If you don’t know your blood
pressure and want more information to determine if you might be at risk for
high blood pressure, visit MaineHeartHealth.org.
