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The Truth about High Blood Pressure

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With February being Black History Month and Heart Awareness Month, it’s a good time to talk about something that uniquely impacts our community more than any other—high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), African Americans develop high blood pressure at younger ages than other groups in the U.S. We are also more likely to develop complications associated with high blood pressure, which include stroke, kidney disease, blindness, dementia, and heart disease.

It is important that our community understands the importance of this issue. First, let me provide some basic information. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. If a person has high blood pressure it means that the walls of the arteries are receiving too much pressure repeatedly, which can cause permanent damage to the arteries, heart disease and stroke.

Unlike many other health problems, people with high blood pressure often have little or no symptoms until the high blood pressure causes damage to the heart or other organs over time. This is why doctors often call high blood pressure the “silent killer.”

It is important to make sure we get our blood pressure checked consistently. When you go to your doctor, they will measure two numbers when checking your blood pressure. The top number is the systolic blood pressure, which is the force of blood in your arteries during a heartbeat.  The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure, which is the force of blood in your arteries between heartbeats. Each of these numbers are important and should be monitored. According to the AHA, blood pressure is grouped into the following categories:

Blood Pressure Systolic mm Hg (top number) Diastolic mm Hg (bottom number) Normal Less than 120 and Less than 80  Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89 Hypertension (Stage 1) 140-159 or 90-99  Hypertension (Stage 2) 160 or higher or 100 or higher

As doctors, we know that high systolic or diastolic blood pressure can be avoided with healthy lifestyle behaviors, which include:                                             • Eating a balanced diet with vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats                                                  • Reducing salt (sodium) in homemade or pre-packaged foods                                                                     • Taking part in regular physical activities                      • Maintaining a healthy weight                                    • Finding successful ways to manage stress                 • No smoking                                                                • Limiting alcoholic drinks                                           • Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor                                                                                  • Talking to your doctor about your concerns or questions

We also know that there are several common myths about high blood pressure and its treatment. These myths can cause people to feel discouraged or not take an active role to make behavior changes to prevent or treat high blood pressure.  However, learning the truth about high blood pressure prevention and management can lead to a healthier, longer life.

Myth 1: “I feel great, so my high blood pressure is not a problem.”

Truth: Many people that have high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. Nearly 1,000 people die each day in the country because of medical problems caused by high blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage your heart, kidneys, and other organs over time. This damage may cause a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. It is important to maintain a normal blood pressure through healthy lifestyle behaviors even if you feel great. Your body will thank you for it.

Myth 2: “High blood pressure runs in my family. I can’t avoid it.”

Truth:  High blood pressure can run in families. In fact, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure if your parents were diagnosed with high blood pressure. Although you may have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure because of your DNA, making the right healthy lifestyle choices will allow you to successfully treat, or even avoid, this health problem. If you commit to healthy living and talk to your doctor about your health, you will increase your chances of avoiding high blood pressure and being a positive, healthy example for your family.

Myth 3: “My meds give me bad side effects, which are worse than having high blood pressure.”

Truth:  The best way to control high blood pressure is through healthy lifestyle behaviors and prescription medications, if recommended by your doctor. Some medications can cause bad or undesired side effects. But, there are many different types of medications available to control your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor if you believe that your medication is causing a problem. You and your doctor can work together to find the right medication that’s best for you and your blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a common health condition that can lead to heart disease and stroke. Take control of your blood pressure and your health by making the right choices that lead to a healthier you. Contact your health care provider today to make an appointment. If you don’t have insurance, log on to www.coveredca.com to see if you qualify for new coverage options.

Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson, MD, MPH, MSHS is the Medical Director of Quality at the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, opening in 2015. She is responsible for providing clinical leadership in the development and measurement of the hospital’s strategic approach to quality and performance improvement for the new South Los Angeles facility.

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