In the News - May 2009
Battling back against high blood pressure
MARION, Ark. - Lifestyle changes and dedication are key to prevent and
control the risks associated with high blood pressure, says VeEtta Simmons,
Crittenden County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture.
These steps are necessary because of the constant dangers of high blood
pressure. "Once a person develops high blood pressure, they will usually have it
for their entire life," says Simmons.
High blood pressure is another name for hypertension, any blood pressure
reading 140/90 or higher. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood
Institute of the National Institutes of Health, blood pressure readings of
120/80 to 139/89 constitute stages of pre-hypertension - that is, the person
does not have hypertension yet but is likely to develop it later.
High blood pressure often has no warning signs or symptoms. It increases a
person's chance for heart disease, kidney disease and stroke, among the leading
causes of death in the United States.
Regular screenings can detect elevated blood pressure levels before they
become a more serious problem. Blood pressure should be checked regularly, says
Simmons.
There are several ways to prevent and control high blood pressure.
Diet is a good place to start. Tips include maintaining a healthy weight,
being physically active, and reducing sodium intake. "Follow a healthy eating
plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods," says Simmons.
Smoking or drinking excess amounts of alcohol pose risks to health in
general, and can make high blood pressure even worse. Alcohol doesn't have to be
completely eliminated, but intake should be limited, Simmons says. Smoking,
however, should be cut out completely. "If you smoke, quit!" she says.
Lifestyle changes may not be enough in some cases, and medical help may be
required to bring blood pressure down to more manageable levels. Any
recommendations should be made by a health care provider, says Simmons. If
medication is prescribed to treat the problem, take it as directed.
"It's important to take steps to keep your blood pressure under control," she
says.
Additional information on high blood pressure can be found at the National
Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Web site,
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp.
For more information on preventing and controlling high blood pressure,
contact your county Extension office or visit www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is a part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
May 8, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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