What’s your blood pressure?

High blood pressure affects an estimated 50 million Americans and nearly a third of adult Arkansans. If it’s not treated correctly, it can lead to heart disease — the nation’s number one killer of men and women. It can also lead to stroke or kidney disease.

The good news is, high blood pressure can be prevented, and it can be controlled. An important first step is checking your blood pressure often, and taking steps to keep it under control. (For most people, that means below 135/85. Talk to your doctor to find out more.)

Taking action

Healthy habits can help you keep your blood pressure down.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Use only low-fat milk and dairy foods.
• Choose lean cuts of meat, chicken or fish.
• Bake, broil, steam or grill your foods instead of frying.
• Eat less salt and sodium.
• Read labels so you know how much fat and salt you’re eating.
• Stay active doing things you enjoy, like walking, running, dancing and gardening.

If these steps aren’t enough to control your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication. Work closely with your doctor to find the best dose, and then take it as your doctor prescribes.

Remember, knowing your blood pressure and taking steps to keep it under control could save your life. To find out more, visit http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html.

National High Blood Pressure Education Month is an annual event coordinated by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.