Are You At Risk From The Silent Killer? (4pg)

Are You At Risk From The Silent Killer?

It’s silent. It’s deadly. Yet it’s inexpensive and easy to treat. It’s high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. About one in three American adults have high blood pressure, and the numbers are increasing, putting more people at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke, as well as for congestive heart failure and kidney disease.

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of your blood on the walls of your arteries. Normal blood pressure is 120/80. A consistent reading above 140/90 is considered high blood pressure. Hypertension is often called The Silent Killer because there are usually no signs or symptoms, even when a person’s blood pressure is dangerously high. That’s why it’s so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Talk To Your Doctor If you have high blood pressure, there are many changes you can make to help control it, from losing weight to starting an exercise program. Medications can also be very effective in controlling hypertension. If you do not have a primary care physician, contact our hospital. We’ll be glad to help you find one.

Words: 190