Risk Factors
Risk Factors That Can Be Modified
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. Abnormally high pressure within the arteries is called high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure indicates that the heart and blood vessels are working very hard. Over time, high blood pressure can weaken the heart muscles and blood vessels.
Below is the high blood measurements for adults (ages 18 and older) ranked according to risk categories of increasing severity, ranging from normal to stage 4. These categories apply to adults who are not taking medicine for high blood pressure and do not have serious short term illness.
In 30% of the cases, mild or moderate hypertension may not present any symptoms and may go unnoticed. Regular medical check up and blood pressure evaluation by your physician is advised.
What Can Be Done About Hypertension?
- Lifestyle Changes – may include any of the following:
- Quit Smoking
- Lose Weight
- Regular Exercise
- Limit Alcohol Intake
- Consult your doctor before taking over the counter medications such as diet pills
- Regular check-up with your physician
- DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
- Limit salt intake to 2 grams (2,000 mg) per day
- Stress Management Techniques
- Women to discuss birth control pills with their physician
- Check blood pressure regularly
