HYPERTENSION By: Melissa Macias

High Blood Pressure Blood pressure is a measurement of the force against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body. Hypertension is another term used to describe high blood pressure. Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers. The top number is called the systolic blood pressure. The bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure. For example, 120/80 mmHg. Normal blood pressure is when your blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg most of the time. High blood pressure (hypertension) is when your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or above most of the time. If your blood pressure numbers are 120/80 or higher, but below 140/90, it is called pre-hypertension.

Causes Many factors can affect blood pressure, including: The amount of water and salt you have in your body The condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels Your hormone levels

Who's at High Risk? You are African American You are obese You are often stressed or anxious You drink too much alcohol (more than 1 drink per day for women and more than 2 drinks per day for men) You consume to much salt You have a family history of high blood pressure You have diabetes You smoke

Exams & Tests Your doctor will measure your blood pressure more than once before diagnosing you with hypertension. All adults should have their blood pressure checked every 1 to 2 years if their blood pressure was less than 120/80 mmHg at their most recent reading. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, have your blood pressure checked more often at least once every year.

Treatments * You can do many things to help control your blood pressure at home, including: Eat a heart healthy diet, including potassium and fiber. Drink plenty of water. Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. If you smoke, quit. Limit how much alcohol you drink to 1 drink a day for women, and 2 a day for men. Limit the amount of sodium you eat, aim for less than 1,500 mg per day. Reduce stress. Try to avoid things that cause you stress, and try meditation or yoga to de-stress. Stay at a healthy body weight.

Veggies can help lower high blood pressure naturally. Celery in particular has been shown to dilate blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow freely through the body. Potassium in kale regulates the blood pressure and heart rate by countering the negative effects of sodium. Drinking fresh beet juice can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure. The potassium and folate found in spinach can help lower blood pressure.