High blood pressure is a condition affecting a third of all Americans. Many don’t even realize they have it. Controlling your blood pressure is critical because the condition can increase the risk for both heart disease and stroke. In fact, increased blood pressure is responsible for more deaths than any other condition in the entire world.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is determined using two numbers: the systolic pressure (the force at which blood is pumped throughout your body) and diastolic pressure (blood vessels’ resistance to blood flow). Readings of 140/90mmHG and higher are considered high. Typically, healthy blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80.
Blood Pressure Checks in California
You should have your blood pressure checked regularly. As you grow older, you’re more at risk of developing it. More than 50% of Americans over the age of 60 have increased blood pressure. And the risk of developing it over the course of your lifetime is 90 percent.
Not only senior citizens develop high blood pressure. It’s estimated 25% of men and 20 percent of women between the ages of 35-44 have higher than normal blood pressure. Younger people should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year.
How To Manage Blood Pressure
Your doctor in California will provide you with instructions to manage blood pressure. These instructions may include:
Exercise on a regular basis
Find ways to reduce stress
Limit alcohol consumption
Limit sodium consumption
Maintain a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
If you have increased blood pressure, your doctor may also recommend you monitor your blood pressure at home. Doing so can identify spikes in your blood pressure that indicate potential health complications.
Higher than normal blood pressure is common, but it can be managed if you’ve been diagnosed with it. For more health advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today.
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