0 Have You Checked Your Blood Pressure Recently?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure, commonly called “The Silent Killer”, is important to have it checked regularly because there are no symptoms in the early stages.

Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to the blood flow in your arteries. If your heart is pumping more blood, your arteries narrow, therefore, making your blood pressure higher. Blood pressure can fluctuate with exercise, injury, illness, and emotional reaction; however, normal blood pressure should not exceed 119/79.

High blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels which can increase the risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and heart attack. Lifestyle choices such as low stress, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and eating foods high in fiber, low in fat and low in salt will help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. If you have high blood pressure or are concerned, see what this Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure has to say from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Have you had yours checked lately? Attend a 9Health Fair, running from now through May 12^th, where health care professionals will check your blood pressure at a free screening. Find A Fair near you, because getting the care you need, when you need it, is important. 9Health Fair is your entry point to health, and getting follow up care without barriers isn’t too much to ask.