A silent killer is wiping our nationunseenunheard.

The name of the killer is,

not ISIS, not Al-Qaeda.but HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

What is high blood pressure?
It is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher. It means the heart is pumping
blood too hard to move blood through your body

What to look for?
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms even when
high blood pressure is dangerously high and maybe damaging their bodies.
Many people do not know they have it. The only way to know is to measure
your blood pressure often.

Few people may have dizziness spells, headaches, nosebleed when blood
pressure is really high

Facts
High blood pressure kills 42 people each day in our nation
67 million American adults (31%) or 1 of every 3 adults have high blood pressure.
Only about half (47%) of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control.
1 of 5 U.S. adults with high blood pressure still do not know that they have it.
Nearly 1 of 3 American adults has prehypertensionblood pressure numbers that are higher
than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range.
High blood pressure costs the nation $47.5 billion each year. This total includes the cost of
health care services, medications to treat high blood pressure, and missed days of work.
How is it diagnosed?
High blood pressure is diagnosed using a blood pressure machine. Your blood pressure
measurements will be taken several times in each arm to ensure the numbers are correct.

A blood pressure less than 120/80 mmHg is normal. A blood pressure of 140/90
mmHg or more is too high. People with blood pressure between 120/80 and
140/90 have a condition called pre-hypertension, which means they are at high
risk for high blood pressure.
Why do you need to care?
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause
Stroke (leading cause o f death)
Kidney problems
Heart failure
Heart attack
Eye problems
Sexual problems
Problems with memory
What can you do?
Know your numbers: Measure your blood pressure regularly. Ask your doctor for a
blood pressure reading at least every two years starting at age 18. It is quick and
painless, and it is the only way to know whether your pressure is high. You can
also check your blood pressure at a pharmacy, or at home.

Make Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can help you control your blood pressure.
Diet: Eat a healthy diet that is:
o Low in salt, total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
o High in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Be active: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood
pressure. Try taking a brisk 10-minute walk 3 times a day 5 days a week.
Do not smoke: cigarettes raise your blood pressure. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
Visit Smokefree.gov for tips on quitting.
Limit alcohol: Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Men should have no more
than 2 drinks /day and women should have no more than 1.
Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increase you risk of high blood
pressure
What can you do if you have high blood pressure
Take your medications properly: If you have side effects or have difficulty to pay your
medications, don't stop taking your medications. Ask your doctor about other options.
Check your blood pressure at home: to see if your medications are working
Keep your appointment with your doctor: Work with your doctor to bring your blood
pressure to healthy levels
Manage stress: Know what causes you stress and try to reduce it. Take deep breaths
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: loose excess weight, eat healthy foods, get regular
physical activity, limit alcohol and if you smoke, quit.
Resources:
If you think you or someone you know may have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor or
visit:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/resources/heart/hbp-dash-index.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/index.html

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/index.html

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/

http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/