It’s important to understand your blood pressure
As a registered nurse at the Stamford Department of Health Clinic, I have the privilege of helping Stamford residents manage one of their most common health concerns: high blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the pressure against your artery walls is unusually high. Although blood pressure normally goes up and down with daily activities, if it stays higher than normal, it greatly increases the risk of suffering serious problems such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
According to data from the CDC, high blood pressure affects nearly 50 percent of adults in the United States. That is about 116 million people or $131 billion in health care expenses every year! Why are these numbers so high? Unfortunately, since high blood pressure does not present with symptoms, many do not know they have it.
Since May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, I want to to remind Stamford residents that free blood pressure checks are available at the Stamford Department of Health Clinic. Your blood pressure check will provide two numbers: a top and a bottom number. The top number (systolic blood pressure) is the pressure inside your blood vessels while your heart is pumping. This number should be under 120. The bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) is the pressure inside your blood vessels while your heart is resting in-between pumps. This number should be less than 80.
Since blood pressure numbers can get very high for some people, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help lower your numbers. These medications have to be taken properly for them to help.
Whether or not you take medications, daily habits play a major part in keeping your blood pressure in check. This is what we focus on at the clinic. Lifestyle changes we recommend include eating less sodium and processed foods, lowering stress, drinking less alcohol, eating more fruits and vegetables, and being more active throughout the day. Doing these can help decrease health care costs, protect your organs from serious health conditions, and improve your quality of life.
Who doesn’t want to feel better? Some people with high blood pressure have even been able to reduce or come off blood pressure medicines because of making and keeping healthy lifestyle changes.
If you would like to get your blood pressure checked, currently have high blood pressure, or want help with making healthy lifestyle changes, the Stamford Department of Health Clinic can help. We offer free blood pressure checks on Mondays and Thursdays as well as a six-week workshop.
During the workshops, you can access live virtual exercise classes and cooking demonstrations, talk to a dietitian, get help obtaining an automatic blood pressure measuring device, and more. Insurance is not needed. Call 203-977-5385 to schedule your free blood pressure check. Knowing your blood pressure numbers is an important step in protecting your heart and keeping a healthy lifestyle for years to come.