Know the Facts

High-Blood-Pressure-Dan's-Wellness-Pharmacy-Newsleter-March-2015Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls as it circulates through your body.  Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can cause health problems if it stays high for a long time.  High blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke—leading causes of death in the U.S.

One in three American adults has high blood pressure.  That’s an estimated 67 million people.  Anyone, including children, can develop it.  Se4veral factors that are beyond your control can increase your risk for high blood pressure.  These include your age, sex, and race or ethnicity.  But you can work to reduce your risk by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and not smoking.

High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, so many people don’t realize they have it.  That’s why it’s’ important to visit your doctor regularly.  Be sure to talk with your doctor about having your blood pressure checked.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention