2 UNDERSTAND AND MANAGE BLOOD PRESSURE

Understanding your blood pressure may be the most important thing you can do to protect your heart and overall health. The AHA notes that high blood pressure, a common condition affecting roughly one in three Americans, is often referred to as “the silent killer” because it does not necessarily produce symptoms. Blood pressure measures the force pushing outward on the walls of blood vessels as they carry blood oxygen to the body’s organs, and the force created as the heart rests between beats. Over time, the arterial walls of people with high blood pressure may become stressed and develop weak spots or scarring that makes them vulnerable to the buildup of plaque. Plaque buildup can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Blood pressure can rise as a person ages, so managing blood pressure involves routinely checking it and making certain changes, such as eating healthier foods and exercising more often, if it is high. Your blood pressure is considered normal, or in the healthy range, if the systolic pressure is lower than 120 and the diastolic pressure is lower than 80, or 120/80. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is de ned as blood pressure of 140/90 or higher. Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is considered pre-hypertensive. It is important to nd ways to manage stress, which can play a role in high blood pressure and increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

By following these heart-healthy tips, you can decrease your risk of heart related illness dramatically.