Newsletter: Question of the Month


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		Question of the Month “What is high blood pressure?”


	High blood pressure (or hypertension) is when blood does not flow easily through your blood vessels. This weakens the heart over time by increasing its workload. This additional pressure can damage the blood vessels in the heart and lead to clogged arteries, heart attack, stroke or kidney problems. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. Systolic is when the heart beats; diastolic is when the heart is at rest.

Controllable Risk Factors:

1. Obesity – More likely with a BMI over 30.0 or higher.
2. Eating too much salt – Some people effected more than others.
3. Drinking too much alcohol – Heavy and regular use increases risk dramatically.
4. Lack of physical activity – Easier to become overweight, which increases risk.
5. Stress – Responses vary from person to person and can be hard to measure so know your own triggers.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

1. Race – African Americans have the highest prevalence
2. Heredity – More likely if parent or close blood relative has high blood pressure
3. Age – Occurs most often in those 35 or older

Source: www.americanheart.org




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