Did you know that high blood pressure (hypertension) usually has no symptoms? Of the nearly 65 million Americans who have it, close to one-third don’t know they do. In fact, some people with high blood pressure are fit and feel perfectly healthy. But having high blood pressure puts you at risk for stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. That’s why the condition is often known as the silent killer. The best way to learn your risk is to visit your doctor for regular blood pressure tests.

High blood pressure is defined as 140/90 mm Hg or higher. A blood pressure level between 120/80 mm Hg and 139/89 mm Hg is considered prehypertension, and it puts you at risk for high blood pressure down the road. You should aim for a reading of 120/80 mm Hg or lower.

High blood pressure can strike anyone, but it’s more common in older adults, people who are overweight, and African-Americans. It also can run in families.

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend that you follow these steps to lower it:

• Exercise.
• Quit smoking. (Click here to learn how Paramount can help.)
• Reduce sodium in your diet and try eating foods that are rich in calcium and potassium.
• Cut back on foods high in saturated fat.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.
• Take medication that your doctor prescribes as directed.

Get a Free Screening for High Blood Pressure!
Join us in May for a Healthy Sylvania 2010 event where you can get your blood pressure taken for free, attend a lecture on blood pressure, and learn healthy heart tips. Visit www.paramounthealthcare.com and click on “Healthy Sylvania 2010” for the date and time.