February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health. However, what you don’t know about high blood pressure could hurt you.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE MAY BE LINKED TO DEMENTIA
Recent studies show that high blood pressure is linked to a higher risk for dementia, a loss of cognitive function. Timing seems to matter. Evidence suggests that having uncontrolled high blood pressure during midlife creates a higher risk for dementia later in life.
The takeaway? It’s never too early to start thinking about your blood pressure and taking steps to manage your high blood pressure.
PEOPLE CAN HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE TOO
High blood pressure doesn’t just happen to older adults. Nearly one in four adults aged 20 to 44 have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, a condition that is on the rise among younger people. Experts think the increased risk for stroke in this age group is a direct result of the rising rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes—conditions that are preventable and treatable.
Ask your healthcare team how often you should check your blood pressure. You can get your blood pressure checked at a doctor’s office or pharmacy, and you can check it at home if you have a home blood pressure monitor.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE USUALLY DOESN’T HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS
High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer.” Most people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms. Because many people feel fine, they don’t think they need to get their blood pressure checked.
Even if you feel normal, your health may be at risk. Talk to your doctor about your risk for high blood pressure.
WOMEN & AFRICAN AMERICANS FACE UNIQUE RISKS
Women with high blood pressure who become pregnant are more likely to have complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy can harm a mother’s kidneys and other organs, and it can lead to premature
delivery and low birth weight babies.
Some types of birth control can also raise a woman’s risk for high blood pressure. Women with high blood pressure who want to become pregnant should work with their healthcare team to lower their blood pressure before
becoming pregnant.
African American men and women have higher rates of high blood pressure than any other racial or ethnic
group. These individuals are also more likely to be hospitalized for high blood pressure. Experts think these health disparities are tied to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
GET A FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CUFF IN OUR FREE PROGRAM
The Wellness Coalition offers a free cardiovascular support program to help you get your health back on track. In this free wellness program, you can learn how to manage and prevent chronic health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and more! You’ll also get:
- Help setting and achieving wellness goals
- Access to wellness resources
- Free enrollment in lifestyle change and/or chronic disease self-management classes
- A free blood pressure cuff when you complete the program
Sign up now at bit.ly/JOINHEARTLINK.