Thoughts About High Blood Pressure

Image Credit: www.nhf.org.nz/images/Heart%20works.jpg


Did You Know?

1. That high blood pressure is known as the silent killer?
   
2. That your body can suffer damage for years before you know you have the disease?
   
3. That 50% of the blood pressure medications are not taken as prescribed?
   
4. That your blood pressure may read differently depending on which arm you use for the reading?
   
5. That losing even 10 pounds can help you lower your blood pressure?
   
6. That 1 our of every 3 adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure?
   

Here is a checklist to get you ready for your doctor visit.

1. Do you need to lose weight?
   
2. Do you smoke?
   
3. Do you drink alcohol regularly?
   
4. Do you have a family history of high blood pressure?
   
5. Do you have diabetes, kidney disease or sleep apnea?
6. Do you get regular exercise?
7. Do you eat healthy?
   
8. Do you take medications or over the counter medications? List them.
   

What is hypertension, or high blood pressure?

Basically, blood pressure is the force of your blood pressing on the walls of your arteries. Every time your heart beats your blood is forced into your arteries. Your blood pressure is the highest when your heart beats. Your blood pressure is lower in between beats. At night when you are resting your blood pressure is lower. When you are excited or stressed your blood pressure will usually be higher. It is possible to have hypertension for years and never experience even one symptom. You should have regular check ups to keep a handle on what your blood pressure is doing. You cannot find out any other way.