Check Your Blood Pressure

Check your blood pressure on a regular basis starting at age 18. It is important to check it at least once each year, especially if you are over 40 years old. Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. There are no signs or symptoms to let you know that it is high. The only method of determining if yours is out of range is to get tested.

You can dramatically lower your risk of both heart disease and stroke by taking appropriate steps to lower your BP. Plus, you will probably live a longer, healthier life by keeping it within an acceptable range. A nurse or doctor can check it by placing a cuff over your upper arm and pumping the cuff until it feels tight. Of course, you can also check your own by using an inexpensive home unit. The process is very quick and can be completed within several minutes.

There are two numbers you need to understand. For example, normal blood pressure will generally return a reading of approximately 120 over 80. If yours is high, your reading will probably be 140 over 90 or higher. For any reading other than 120 over 80, talk to your doctor about whether you need treatment.

Studies have shown that 1 out of every 3 Americans will have high blood pressure. Almost all Americans over 40 years old are at risk for this disease.

Your risk factors increase if you:

...are overweight
...have a family history of high blood pressure
...eat foods that contain a lot of salt
...do not exercise on a regular basis
...smoke or chew tobacco
...drink more than 1 or 2 drinks a day of alcohol

If you have high BP, you might be able to lower it by eating healthy foods, becoming active, and losing weight. Many people can lose just 10 pounds and can lower it by several points. However, some people need medication to control their blood pressure.

If you are an adult, you need to know your numbers. If you have high BP, talk to your doctor about appropriate steps you need to take to protect your health. You can check your blood pressure regularly at many shopping malls, pharmacies, and grocery stores that have machines available for your use. Most of these are free to use. Plus, you always have the option of visiting your doctor or neighborhood clinic.

Eating a diet of healthy foods, and especially eating less sodium (salt), can lower your blood pressure. Choose foods that are low in sodium. Look for labels on foods that say they are low in sodium or have no salt added. You need to stay active by being physically active on a regular basis. Daily exercise can reduce your risk of high BP. Try to get a bare minimum of two and a half hours of moderate activity each week. Your activities might include:

...walking fast
...raking leaves
...other types of aerobic activities

Finally, if you are serious about lowering it to acceptable levels, you must quit smoking and drink alcohol only in moderation.

You can dramatically lower your risk of both heart disease and stroke by taking appropriate steps to lower your blood pressure. By making small positive changes in your lifestyle, you will probably live a longer, healthier life by keeping your blood pressure within an acceptable range.

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