A silent killer

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a silent disease, and a major health problem in the U.S. As many as half of all American adults have either hypertension or pre-hypertension – a newly established category to identify people at high risk for the disease.

African Americans are at the highest risk. In fact, they are the most likely ethnic group in the world to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity and, for women, the use of birth control pills.

High blood pressure is a sign that the heart is being overworked. Left untreated, the condition the lead to atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) or congestive heart failure. High blood pressure is called a “silent killer” because the condition is often not detected until serious damage has already occurred.

Systolic and diastolic pressure

Systolic pressure is measured when the heart contracts to pump out blood to the rest of the body. Diastolic pressure is measured as the heart rests between heartbeats.

Blood pressure is always referred to as the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. The two numbers are a measure of blood pressure at its highest and lowest points. A measurement of 120/80 is considered to be ideal, though recent research suggests that your risk for heart disease begins with readings even as low as 115/75.

How high is too high?

For adults, high blood pressure is defined as a reading of 140/90 or higher. People with readings between 140/90 and 159/99 are considered to have stage 1 hypertension. readings of 160/100 and higher are considered stage 2 hypertension.

Can it be too low?

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is considered less than 90/60. Hypotension is a potentially dangerous condition that should be followed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Treating high blood pressure

People with pre-hypertension should lose weight, eat a heart-healthy diet (low fat, low salt and high in fruits and vegetables), exercise regularly and drink alcohol only in moderation.

People with stage 1 hypertension should talk with their physician about drug treatment. Most patients begin with a diuretic – a medication used to flush excess fluids from the body. A combination of drugs is often recommended for patients with stage 2 hypertension.

You can make a difference

A healthy lifestyle can do wonders for your blood pressure. Regular exercise, for example, can reduce systolic pressure by 4-9 points. Losing 20 pounds can reduce systolic pressure by 20 points.

Know your numbers!

Get your blood pressure checked regularly, either at a doctor’s office or a local pharmacy/grocery store. Iowa Heart Center offers free, walk-in blood pressure testing at its clinics in Des Moines, Ames, Carroll and Fort Dodge.