Understanding Blood Pressure: Why It's Important

According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all adults in the United States (about 122 million people) have high blood pressure or are taking medication for it. High blood pressure is more common in older adults, but it can affect people of all ages.

Therefore, checking your blood pressure regularly is important, especially if you have a family history of high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

I am one of 122 million people, and I am taking medication for it. It helps a lot to keep blood pressure under control.

Many Americans, like myself, wrongly assume they understand normal blood pressure and that false confidence can be deadly. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Most Americans don't know the normal or healthy range for blood pressure, yet they think they do. In a study published in January 2023, researchers found that 64% of participants expressed confidence in their understanding of blood pressure numbers - but only 39% knew what normal or healthy blood pressure is.

False confidence can be harmful because it may prevent people from seeking care for high blood pressure. If you think your blood pressure is normal when it's not, you may not bother talking to your doctor about it. A rise of just 20 in systolic blood pressure or 10 in diastolic blood pressure doubles a person's chances of dying from a heart attack or stroke.

To avoid false confidence, ask about your blood pressure at every doctor's visit and determine what the numbers mean. If your numbers are high, work with your doctor to develop a plan to lower them.

Here are ten tips for healthier blood pressure:

  • maintain a healthy weight

  • exercise regularly

  • eat a healthy diet

  • reduce sodium intake

  • limit alcohol consumption

  • quit smoking

  • manage stress

  • take medication as prescribed by your doctor

  • monitor your blood pressure at home using an automatic cuff device

  • get support from family and friends

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