High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Controllable Risk Factors: Overview

By HelloLife

High Blood Pressure (hypertension) Controllable Risk Factors Series: Overview This eight-part series will discuss the controllable risk factors of high blood pressure. They include excessive weight, inactivity, use of tobacco, sodium intake, low potassium intake, excessive alcohol, and stress.

Why you should be concerned about high blood pressure

High blood pressure doesn't just stop there. It can progress to life-threatening medical conditions like kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and death. This is important because kidney failure is the #9 cause of death in America, heart disease is the #1 cause of death in America, and stroke is the 3rd cause of death in America. Blindness is another result of high blood pressure.

Knowing your blood pressure numbers can save your life.

Of all the heart attacks that occur in the United States, high blood pressure is a contributing factor in 67% of all heart attacks. More than 74% of all heart failure cases are preceded by high blood pressure in the United States. Of all the strokes that occur in the United States, high blood pressure is a contributing factor in 77% of all strokes. Because it affects circulation, high blood pressure creates an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and mental deterioration. More than 100 billion dollars are spent each year on high blood pressure and its complications. The second leading cause of kidney failure, high blood pressure is a contributing factor in 26% of all the cases. More doctor visits are for high blood pressure concerns than with any other condition. More than 450 million dollars could be saved each year if those office visits were decreased by just 10%.

More than 65 million Americans live with high blood pressure. Of the 65 million Americans with high blood pressure, more than half of them are women. Men are at greater risk for high blood pressure than women until menopause, then women are at greater risk. More than 50,000 Americans die each year with high blood pressure. High blood pressure contributes to more than 261,000 deaths each year. High blood pressure is focused on during the month of May. High blood pressure is called the "Silent Killer" because it doesn't have any symptoms. Ideal blood pressure is defined as 120/80 mmHg. It's read as 120 over 80. The top number, the systolic number, indicates the contracting of the heart. The bottom number, the diastolic number, indicates the resting of the heart.

There's more to know

High blood pressure can be prevented, not cured. It's easier to ward off high blood pressure than it is to live with it. Make necessary changes to live a healthy life now so you don't have to mange high blood pressure for the rest of your life. Do it for your family. Do it for yourself. Just do it.

Sources:

http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/mission/abouthbp/abouthbp.htm ;

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PXL/is_2006_March_15/ai_n17215048

http://www.my-blood-pressure.com/bp-facts-sheet.html