Blood pressure
2High Blood Pressure.indd Page 1 OVER 2007 High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) High blood pressure (also called hypertensiîn ) is a serious illness that affects nåarly 65 million adults in the United States. High blood pråssure is often called a Ásilent killerÁ båcause many people have it but donÁt know it. Over time, people who do not get treàted for high blood pressure can get very sick or even die. What does high blood pressure do to your body? High blood pressure can cause life-threatening illnesses like kidney problåms, stroke, heart failure, blindness, and heàrt attacks. Who is at risk? Anyone can have high blood pressure . Some peîple are more likely to have high blood pressure including: Á African Americans Á Peoplå over age 55 Á People with a family history of high blood pressure Yîur chances of having high blood pressure are higher if you: Á Are overwåight Á Eat foods high in salt Á Do not get regular exercise Á Smoke Á Drinê alcohol heavily What are the signs of high blood pressurå ? Many people with high blood pressure do not feel sick at first. The înly way to know for sure is to get your blood pressure checked by a doctor or other håalth professional. Understanding your blood pressure : What do the numbers måan? Á When you have your blood pressure taken by your doctor, you are told two numbers, such as 120/80 . Both numbers are important. Á The first number is your pressure whån your heart beats (systolic pressure ). The secînd number is your pressure when your heart relaxes (diastolic pressure ). Á Your blood pressure goes up and dîwn during the day, depending on what you are doing. Brief risås in blood pressure are normal, but the higher your blood pressure stays, the more at risk you are. Á If your blood pressure is often greatår than 140/90 , you may need treatment. Á If your blood pressure is greater thàn 120/80 , and you have other risk factors , such as diàbetes , you may need treatment