Your Doctor Says You Have High Blood Pressure.  Now What?

1 in 4 adults have high blood pressure and of those, nearly half don't know it.  High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, increases your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and is the most important risk factor for a stroke.  

The two most important aspects of managing high blood pressure are control and prevention.  If you have high blood pressure or elevated blood pressure, you can control it with the proper treatment.  If you don't have high blood pressure, you can take steps to prevent it from developing.  You can help control and prevent high blood pressure by taking the following steps:  

• Limit Alcohol Use.  If you drink alcohol, have no more than one drink per day.  That equals no more than 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.  
• Use Less Salt.  Season your meals with herbs, spices, and lemon.  Sodium is hidden in many packaged and processed foods.  Check your product labs for the amount of sodium in each serving.  A daily total intake of no more than 6 grams or 2,400 milligrams of sodium is recommended.  
• Be Physically Active.  Even low to moderate activity, if done regularly, can help control and prevent high blood pressure.  It's recommended to get 30 minutes of activity every day.  This can include housework, walking, taking the stairs, parking farther away, and standing instead of sitting.  
• Lose Weight.  Being overweight raises the chances of developing heart disease and losing weight can lower your risk.  

High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer" because most people who have it may not feel sick. This makes it particularly important to have your blood pressure checked each time you see your doctor or health professional.  If your blood pressure is at 150/90 or above, then you may have high blood pressure.  We recommend testing at least two more times to be sure the result is accurate.  

If you have more questions about your life with high blood pressure contact one of our health coaches today or call us at 1-866-511-0360.  

Want advice on changing your diet and starting your journey towards a healthier life?  Start here.

*This guide is not meant to take the place of a physician visit nor can it diagnose illness or medical problems. It is designed to give you information relating to your health risks and overall wellness. This information is provided to help you develop a plan of action to make healthy lifestyle changes. HealthCheck360 uses scientifically validated research to help you identify risks or behaviors that may cause or lead to chronic illness. Our program concentrates on risk factors that can be modified and that you should be able to effectively control, maintain, and/or improve.