Hypertension also known as “High Blood Pressure” is most often referred to as the “Silent Killer”.
According to WebMD, over 60 million Americans have high blood pressure which is about 1 in 3 adults. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 69% of people who have a heart attack, 77% of stroke patients, and 74% of heart failure patients also have hypertension. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure as compared to men and African Americans develop high blood pressure more often at an earlier age. In the United States, 41% of African Americans compared to 27% of whites and other races are diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Why is it more common in African Americans and is a silent killer?
Most research has no definitive idea but what is known is that it must be addressed.
Here are some suggestions for decreasing your risk of developing high blood pressure:
• Talk with your doctor about high blood pressure and try to get a clear understanding about what it means. You can research your family history to see if any family members have or had high blood pressure. If they have, this might put you at risk of developing high blood pressure.
• If you take medications, take them daily as prescribed by your doctor. Try avoiding missing any doses of medications.
• Follow a diet that is low in fat, salt, and cholesterol. Eat fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
• Be mindful of your weight as being overweight can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure.
• Avoid inactivity and get involved in some sort of exercise program. Walking can help lower and reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. It is suggested to exercise 10 to 20 minutes most days of the week.
• Know and monitor your blood pressure. According to the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of high blood pressure (JNC), normal blood pressure values should be less than 120/80. The top number (120) represents the systolic blood pressure which is the force of blood pressure through your blood vessels during your heartbeat. The bottom number (80) represents the diastolic blood pressure and it is the force of the blood through your blood vessels in between heartbeats or when your heart is resting.
• Avoid smoking because smoking can elevate blood pressure and damage your heart and blood vessels. Ask for recommendations from your doctor on ways to help you quit.
• Limit your alcohol intake. It is recommended that men consume no more than 2 drinks a day and women no more than 1 drink a day.
Your knowledge about high blood pressure is critical in decreasing your risk of developing this disease.
References:
cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm
Webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-in-africans-americans
Linda Ratliff Davis, RPh has been practicing Pharmacy for more than 30 years. She is a Clinical Pharmacist at the Michel E. DeBakey VAMC and is part owner of the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Houston, Texas.
She is also the Chairman of the Board of “Keeping Abreast of Your Health” which is a nonprofit breast cancer awareness organization. Breast Cancer Awareness month is in October.