High blood pressure affects 1 in 3 American adults. Since there are few or no symptoms, make sure this silent killer doesn't sneak up on you. Whether you have high blood pressure or not, and especially if you're not sure, there are easy things you can do to keep healthy levels.
High Blood Pressure Affects 1 In 3 American Adults.
We've all seen the commercials. High blood pressure is so frequently talked about that you almost can't avoid hearing about it daily. But have you checked your blood pressure lately? With age comes a higher risk of this silent killer creeping up on you, so it's something you can't afford to ignore.
By definition, blood pressure is the force of blood in the circulatory system. It's measured by two numbers: the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic), and the pressure in between beats (diastolic). In seniors, high blood pressure (or hypertension) is considered systolic over 140 and diastolic over 90. If left untreated, high blood pressure is a primary cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. Race, genetics, poor diet, and physical inactivity are all linked to high blood pressure, but the exact cause is unknown. With few or no symptoms, it's something to get checked even if you feel normal.
Here are some quick tips for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels as you age:
If you develop high blood pressure, treating it is much easier than you may be aware of.
To learn more about managing your blood pressure, search this topic on heart.org or talk with your doctor during your next visit.
Healthy Motivation
Being in charge of your own health and well-being can be intimidating, but when you incorporate these simple healthy practices into your everyday routine, they really add up.