PHYSICAL

Fight the “Silent Killer”

By Dalikah Moss

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a symptomless “silent killer” that quietly damages blood vessels and leads to serious health problems.

While there is no cure, using medications as prescribed and making lifestyle changes can enhance your quality of life and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and more.

How can someone be aware of their levels? 

If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should monitor your blood pressure regularly. Maintaining an awareness of your numbers can alert you to any changes and help you detect patterns. Tracking your results over time will also reveal if the changes you’ve made are working. Download a printable blood pressure log (PDF).

What lifestyle changes can someone make to reduce their chances of getting high blood pressure or how can they manage it?

• Eat a well-balanced diet that’s low in salt
• Limit alcohol
• Enjoy regular physical activity
• Manage stress
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Take your medications properly
• Work together with your health care professional

How will changing my lifestyle improve hypertension? 

By adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can:

• Reduce high blood pressure.
• Prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure.
• Enhance the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
• Lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, vision loss and sexual dysfunction.

While heart disease is still the No. 1 killer in the United States and around the world, death rates have decreased significantly. You can reclaim your health today for a better tomorrow.

Citations: Changes you can make to manage high blood pressure. www.heart.org. (2023, June 1). https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure

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