Health Alert: Surprising facts about High Blood Pressure

What you don’t know about high blood pressure could hurt you. High blood pressure affects one in three Americans, yet many people with the condition don’t know they have it.

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month and tonight Cheryl Farley, RN manager of cardiac and pulmonary rehab at UHC, joins us to discuss the “Surprising Facts about High Blood Pressure that We All Need to Know”.

Question: One of the surprising facts that you are going to reveal tonight says that geography can play a role in high blood pressure, how can where you live be a factor?

Answer: In the United States, there is a strong correlation between geographic area and high blood pressure. This may be due to several factors, including, but not limited to: common food selections, exercise habits, and other environmental factors. The southeast region has the highest density of age-adjusted prevalence. Some of the states with the most cases of hypertension are: Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Mississippi, as well as our own great state.

However, those who live in North Central West Virginia are lucky to be able to live near UHC- the only hospital in West Virginia to offer a free screening called Dare to C.A.R.E. This screening is designed to detect and help manage your risk of vascular disease. It only takes 20 minutes or less, so call 681-342-1365 to schedule your free screening. Certain age restrictions do apply.

Question: What is the prevalence of high blood pressure among young people?

Answer: Unfortunately, high blood pressure doesn’t just happen to older adults. What we find is that about one in four men and nearly one in five women age 35 to 44 has high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, a condition that is on the rise among younger people. Experts think the increased risk for stroke among young adults is a direct result of the rising rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes—conditions that are preventable and treatable.

Younger people should get their blood pressure checked at least once each year. Many people with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it. The only way to know is to check your blood pressure regularly.

Question: Elaborate for us concerning the symptoms of high blood pressure.

Answer: High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer.” Most people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms, such as sweating or headaches. Because many people feel fine, they don’t think they need to get their blood pressure checked. Even if you feel normal, your health may be at risk. Talk to your doctor about your risk for high blood pressure.

About 11 million U.S. adults with high blood pressure aren’t even aware they have it and are not receiving treatment to control their blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.

Ask your provider what your blood pressure numbers mean and whether they are too high. Stick to your treatment plan and follow your provider’s advice if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure. Fortunately, high blood pressure is treatable and preventable. To lower your risk, get your blood pressure checked regularly and take action to control your blood pressure if it is too high.

What You Can Do By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. A healthy lifestyle includes:

• Eating a healthy diet

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Reducing stress

• Getting enough physical activity

• Not smoking

• Reducing sodium in your diet

• Limiting alcohol use

Question: Women and minorities face unique risks when it comes to high blood pressure, what are some cautions here?

Answer: Women with high blood pressure who become pregnant are more likely to have complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure can harm a mother’s kidneys and other organs, and it can cause low birth weight and early delivery. Certain types of birth control can also raise a woman’s risk for high blood pressure. Women with high blood pressure who want to become pregnant should work with their health care team to lower their blood pressure before becoming pregnant.

African American men and women have higher rates of high blood pressure than any other race or ethnic group.4 These individuals are also more likely to be hospitalized for high blood pressure. Experts think this is related to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and stroke among this ethnic group. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing sodium in your diet, getting more physical activity, and reducing stress, can help lower blood pressure.