This American Heart Month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Million Hearts®–a national effort to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. by 2017–are encouraging Americans to know their blood pressure, and if it’s high, to make control their goal.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. In fact, more than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are 4 times more likely to die from a stroke and 3 times more likely to die from heart disease, compared to those with normal blood pressure.
High blood pressure often shows no signs or symptoms, which is why having your blood pressure checked regularly is important. It’s easy to get your blood pressure checked. You can get screened at your doctor’s office and drugstores or even check it yourself at home, using a home blood pressure monitor.
Work with your health care team to make sure you meet your blood pressure goal.
If you have high blood pressure, use these steps to help get it under control:
• Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be. Set a goal to lower your pressure and talk with your doctor about how to reach your goal. Track your blood pressure over time.
• Take your blood pressure medicine as directed. Set a timer on your phone to remember to take your medicine at the same time each day. If you are having trouble taking your medicines on time or paying for your medicines, or if you are having side effects, ask your doctor for help.
• Quit smoking—and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. You can find tips and resources at CDC’s Smoking and Tobacco website.
• Reduce sodium intake. Most Americans consume too much sodium, which can raise blood pressure. Read about ways to reduce sodium and visit the Million Hearts® Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Resource Center for hearthealthy, lower-sodium recipes, meal plans, and helpful articles.
More information is available at CDC’s High Blood Pressure website and more resources are available at http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/.