Hypertension Health Care Information

 

The excessive pressure on your artery walls caused by high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure affects nearly everyone eventually, and you can have it for years without experiencing any signs or symptoms.

 

Thankfully though, high blood pressure is easily detected as part of a routine doctor’s appointment. Knowledge is power, so once you are aware that you have high blood pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it in the following ways:

  • Eat healthy foods
  • Lower your salt intake
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise more
  • Limit your alcohol consumption
  • Don’t smoke
  • Manage your stress

Unfortunately, there are some risk factors for high blood pressure that are beyond your control. Your risk of high blood pressure increases with age; it tends to run in families; and it is more common in Blacks. In addition to recommending diet and exercise, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.