High Blood Pressure Prevention

High Blood Pressure- called a silent killer, also called HTN/Hypertension; a measurement of the force of blood against the walls of the arteries

High Blood Pressure- has no symptoms; get blood pressure checked at least yearly
Warning Signs- chest discomfort with fullness, pain, squeezing; pain in jaw, neck, back, or stomach; SOB/shortness of breath; nausea, breaking out in a cold sweat, light-headness, headaches, dizziness

High Blood Pressure- can cause kidney damage, stroke, heart failure
Increases Risk- age, heredity, race, sex, obesity, sensitivity to sodium, alcohol consumption, oral contraceptives, no exercise, having diabetes, stress
Affects- 1 out of 3 African Americans, greater risk for fatal and nonfatal stroke, heart disease death and kidney failure
HBP- can damage heart, kidneys, brain, eyes and can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure

See your Health Care Provider- get your blood pressure checked regularly; talk with your Health Care Provider about your medications- birth control pills, steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, decongestants
See Registered Dietitian- for help as needed
Suggestions- walk or exercise daily, maintain a healthy weight, limit sodium, control stress, take medication as your Health Care Provider has prescribed, also talk with your Health Care Provider about alcohol consumption
AVOID- SMOKING,, eating bacon, ham, sausage, canned soups, olives, pickles, tomato based foods as spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes, tomato juice, sauces, gravies; caffeine as coffee, tea, most colas; fried foods, gravies, sauces, alcohol, chips, crackers, salt pork, chitterlings, ham hocks, broth, bouillon, cheese,
Goal- Blood Pressure at 120/ 80 or lower
Eat- more whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, smaller portions if overweight; adequate calcium, magnesium and potassium in your diet