Feature Articles: Health
High Blood Pressure
Melissa Bess, Regional Nutrition and Health Specialist in Camden County,
University of Missouri Extension
According to estimates, nearly 1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure, with nearly one-third of them not even knowing they have it. High blood pressure has no known symptoms, which is why blood pressure needs to be checked regularly.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, left uncontrolled can
lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney
failure. That’s why hypertension is known as the “silent
killer.” High blood pressure is the number one controllable
risk factor for stroke.
Blood pressure is the force against the arteries when the
heart pumps blood through the body. Systolic pressure occurs
when the heart beats and diastolic pressure occurs when the
heart is resting. Blood pressure is expressed as
systolic/diastolic in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
A normal number for blood pressure is 120/ 80 mm Hg or less.
High blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher. High blood
pressure is most common in those over 35 years of age, but
can occur in children as well. Hypertension is found more
commonly in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly
adults, obese individuals, and heavy drinkers. Hypertension
may have a genetic component, but it may not. Individuals
who have diabetes, gout, or kidney disease are more likely
to have high blood pressure, as well.
Even though scientists don’t exactly know what causes high
blood pressure, there are some common risk factors. Some
risk factors are controllable while some are uncontrollable.
Controllable risk factors include obesity (those with a body mass index greater than 30), too much sodium in the diet, drinking too much alcohol, lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle, and stress.
Uncontrollable risk factors include race (African Americans
have a greater risk), heredity, and age (the older you are
the greater chance for developing hypertension).
Some things you can do to prevent or control high blood
pressure are eating healthy, cutting back on fats, eating
more potassium-rich foods (fruits and vegetables such as
sweet potatoes, bananas, or yogurt), eating less sodium-rich
foods, losing weight, being active, quitting smoking,
reducing alcohol intake, managing stress, or in some cases,
taking medication may be necessary. You can talk with your
physician about medication options.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly and prevent hypertension with a healthy lifestyle!
Last update: Wednesday, September 12, 2007
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