StrokeSense : You Can Help Yourself

Lower Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) has been called "the silent killer" because it can cause a stroke—as well as a heart attack, heart failure, or kidney failure—often without showing any symptoms. The condition can quadruple a person's risk for stroke.

Despite great strides in research, treatment, and awareness of the condition over the past 30 years, one in five Americans has high blood pressure. The condition has reached epidemic proportions because millions of people don't even know they have it.

High blood pressure is defined as either a consistent systolic blood pressure (when the heart contracts) of 140 mm Hg or higher; a consistent diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes) of 90 mm Hg or more; or both (140/90 mm Hg or greater). A blood pressure reading below 120/80 mm Hg is considered "optimal," according to the Sixth Joint National Committee of Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

In about 90 percent of people with high blood pressure, there's no obvious cause for the condition, like kidney disease or a hormonal disorder. However, it can run in families, and it occurs more often in certain ethnic groups.

In the African-American community, the hypertension rate is among the highest in the world. And about 60 percent of American women between the ages of 65 and 74 have high blood pressure. You can reduce your blood pressure by sticking to the following regimen:

• Dont smoke.
• Exercise regularly.
• Follow a low-fat, low-sodium diet.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol to one drink per day.
• Reduce stress through relaxation exercises, like yoga.

If you and your doctor can't control high blood pressure with lifestyle changes alone, medications may help you control it.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring can help you control your blood pressure. These portable devices measure blood pressure automatically every 15 to 30 minutes throughout a 24-hour period, while you go about your everyday life. Because they don't interfere with regular activities, ambulatory monitoring devices are easy to use. The devices can help physicians diagnose hypertension and monitor your response to various treatments.

References

1. "How Can I Reduce High Blood Pressure?" American Heart Association, 2002.
2. "Holter Monitor," MEDLINEplus Medical Encyclopedia, March 1, 2001.

Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14 Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040,
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors: Erin Murphy, Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Ron Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D.
Date Written: 4/30/01
Last Revised: 4/3/03