Is High Blood Pressure Getting You Down?

By Jill Feilmeier on May 30, 2012 in Healthy Living

A high blood pressure diagnosis is fairly common in the United States. With all the fast food and trans-fat included in many meal options, it is much easier for us to develop hardened fat in our blood vessels than ever before. Since the symptoms of hypertension can be unnoticeable, it is also easy for many people to avoid having their blood pressure check because they feel just fine! BIG MISTAKE!

Your blood pressure could tell you a lot about the status of your health. You may feel fine and great, but when you have high blood pressure (above 140/90), your body is in danger of serious threats such as a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death (1).

April is National Blood Pressure Month. May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, too. Since we care so much about all of our reader's health (not only your oral health), here are five ways to control your blood pressure.

With these easy tips you will look better, feel better and hopefully keep yourself away from life-threatening occurrences.

1. Follow a healthy eating plan – The D.A.S.H (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is endorsed by the American Heart Association and other reputable health organizations. (2)
2. Reduce sodium in your diet – It is believed a diet high in sodium contributes to hypertension. (2)
3. Increase your physical activity – Even walking 30 minutes a day will help lower your blood pressure.
4. Limit your alcohol intake – Recommend intake is 1 drink a day for ladies and 2 drinks a day for men.
5. Quit smoking – This tip will help with your oral health too!

Make sure to get regular blood pressure readings. If you know your risk, you can fix the problem before it gets too serious. A healthy heart is a happy heart!

1. A.D.A.M. “Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors.” Hypertension. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Nov. 2000. Web. 19 Apr. 2012. .
2. “Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure, NHLBI.” NIH Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Web. 19 Apr. 2012..