Keep to the Beat: Know Your Risks for Hypertension
It's National Hypertension Month, and time to put the spotlight on a dangerous condition, commonly referred to as high blood pressure. Even if you have never been diagnosed with hypertension, now is a great time to evaluate your diet and exercise habits to reduce your risks from this condition and ensure a healthy heart overall.
Hypertension is frequently called the "silent killer" because it often presents no visible symptoms. Nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure. When you have hypertension, the force of blood against your artery walls is too strong. This can damage your arteries, heart and kidneys. If left untreated, hypertension could result in heart attack or heart failure, stroke and/or kidney disease.
The best way to determine if you have hypertension is to measure and record your blood pressure regularly.
How blood pressure is measured
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Note: For people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, a reading above 130/80 or higher is considered to be high blood pressure. | ||
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Pre-hypertension or borderline* | 120-139 | 80-89 |
| Stage 1 - high blood pressure | 140-159 | 90-99 |
| Stage 2 - high blood pressure | 160 or higher | 100 or higher |
Blood pressure consists of two numbers: The top number (systolic) represents the maximum pressure in the blood pressure when the heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) indicates the minimum pressure in the blood vessels when the heart relaxes between beats. The chart at left shows the levels that are normal or when blood pressure is borderline high or at Stage 1 or Stage 2.
Your doctor or health professional will measure blood pressure as a routine part of an office visit. When the numbers are consistently above the normal ranges, this may be a sign that you have hypertension. That's why health professionals recommend that you measure and record your blood pressure regularly. A LifeSteps health screening card can help you track blood pressure and other results from your health screenings over time.
While individuals develop hypertension over their lifetime, managing hypertension is achievable.
If your doctor determines that you are hypertensive, he or she will recommend a treatment plan, which may include prescription medicine. Be sure to contact a LifeSteps health coach to discuss ways to stay on track and to deal with your condition effectively.
Manage your risks
If you are currently not suffering from hypertension, do you know your risks? The American Heart Association provides an interactive personal assessment. The High Blood Pressure Risk Calculator produces a list of risks based on information about your body type and blood pressure. The site also offers detailed information about hypertension and tips for prevention.
Maintain a Balance
Whether you have high blood pressure now or not, incorporating a balanced lifestyle of diet and exercise is very helpful with the fight against hypertension. National experts have developed the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, which is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, but rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Following a diet plan can help you start eating your way to a healthy blood pressure.
Regular exercise is also a way to manage or prevent hypertension. In June, LifeSteps Online will address why it is so important to get and stay active to manage blood pressure.
To get more details on how to prevent or manage hypertension, call a LifeSteps Health Coach or your healthcare provider. To reach a health coach 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call 1-877-LIFE-123.
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Personal health information provided to a LifeSteps health coach is protected by federal and state privacy laws and will not be disclosed to American Standard Companies except as authorized by law for administration of the company's group health plans.