May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness month and Live Your Life wants to help bring hypertension risks and facts to the forefront. You might have high blood pressure without knowing it.

The Truth About High Blood Pressure

Did you know that you can actually help to control your blood pressure with lifestyle changes? Here are some facts[1] to think about:

• The National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute Suggests Using the A.S.H. Diet to help reduce, avoid & control high blood pressure
• Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to a stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and even blindness
• 1 in 3 Adults are diagnosed with high blood pressure
• 59 Million Adults have pre-hypertension which puts them at higher risk for stroke & heart disease
• As you age your risk for hypertension increases

Blood pressure can be controlled with proper diet, increased activity, weight loss & reduced consumption of alcohol; however, it is important to take your blood pressure medication as directed by your physician.

Know Your Blood Pressure Numbers

The top number in your blood pressure is called the Systolic number and the bottom number is called the Diastolic number. However, all you need to know is what is considered within the acceptable range.

See your physician regularly for a proper blood pressure reading. You can also watch your numbers with readings from your local pharmacy. Many pharmacies offer this service for free. Below is a guide to let you know what the numbers mean.

• Normal Blood Pressure: Less than 120 over Less than 80
• Pre-Hypertension: 120-139 over 80-89
• High Blood Pressure: 140+ over 90+

Like most diseases and health issues, it comes down to living a healthy lifestyle. Healthy diet, exercise and quitting smoking are key ways to reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

Live Your Life is available to help you get started on a healthier lifestyle to Live Your Life LONGER.

Dr. Eva Norman
President & Founder
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Live Your Life Physical Therapy, LLC

[1] NHLBI – May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month

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