Manage Blood Pressure

Hypertension is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms. One in three adults has high blood pressure, yet, about 21% don’t even know they have it. Of those with high blood pressure, 69% are receiving treatment, yet, only 45% have their blood pressure controlled.

What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a widely misunderstood medical condition.

The blood running through your arteries flows with too much force and puts pressure on your arteries, stretching them past their healthy limit and causing microscopic tears. Our body then kicks into injury-healing mode to repair these tears with scar tissue. But unfortunately, the scar tissue traps plaque and white blood cells which can form into blockages, blood clots, and hardened, weakened arteries.

Why High Blood Pressure Matters?
High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms.

Blockages and blood clots mean less blood can get to our vital organs, and without blood, the tissue dies. That’s why high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and even heart failure.

By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are:

1. Reducing your risk of your vascular walls becoming overstretched and injured,
2. Reducing your risk of your heart having to pump harder to compensate for blockages,
3. Protecting your entire body so that your tissue receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs.

What Influences High Blood Pressure and the Risk for Stroke?
By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are: Reducing your risk of your vascular walls becoming overstretched and injured, reducing your risk of your heart having to pump harder to compensate for blockages, protecting your entire body so that your tissue receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs.

American Heart Association Guidelines
While there is no cure, high blood pressure is manageable.
 Even if your blood pressure is normal (less than 120 mm Hg systolic AND less than 80 mm Hg diastolic) and your goal is prevention only, the lifestyle modifications provide a prescription for healthy living. These changes may reduce your blood pressure without the use of prescription medications: eating a heart-healthy diet, which may include reducing salt; enjoying regular physical activity; maintaining a healthy weight; managing stress; limiting alcohol; avoiding tobacco smoke.

This article is courtesy of the American Heart Association

Pumps, Purses & Positivity

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women

PPP's Tip of the Week

Heart Healthy Tips courtesy of the Franklin Institute

Getting, being & staying healthy is an absolute must. Below are a couple of easy things to do to begin heading in that direction if you aren't already.

Everyday Heart Health Tips
If you're not convinced about the need to develop an exercise program for your life, you can at least try following some of these tips in your everyday routine. Take advantage of any opportunity for exercise. Try some today.

1) Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator at school or the mall. Just start with one flight. Soon, you'll be ready for two.

2) Park your car at the far end of the parking lot. The short walk to and from the store or school helps your heart.

3) If you ride a bus or subway, get off a stop before your destination. Walk the rest of the way.

4) If you can, spend a few minutes of your lunch break taking a stroll around the campus grounds. It should help you stay awake after lunch.

5) Think of housework as an extra chance to exercise. Vacuuming briskly can be a real workout.

6) Mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, and raking leaves are chores that can be done yourself as a chance to exercise.

7) If you have a dog, think of the dog as an exercise machine with fur. A brisk walk with the dog is good for both of your hearts. Make it a part of your daily routine.

8) If you have a family, schedule an after-dinner walk. Make it quality time.

So remember move that body!

Pumps, Purses & Positivity

Real Life, Real Talk, Real Women