They call it the “silent killer,” because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms. But it’s a deadly force that has seen a spike in the United States since the year 2000, affecting both genders of people aged 45-64.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “one in three U.S. adults (roughly 67 million people) has blood pressure high enough to impact his health. The age-adjusted deaths from high blood pressure went up 23% in the last five years, while other causes of death went down 21%.”
From 2000 through 2013, the death rate from high blood pressure rose 58% for men and 37% for women, and unfortunately, the rates continue to advance with no answers as to why they are trending upwards.
High blood pressure is a relatively common condition that affects most people as they age. But it can affect the young and almost always signals the presence of chronic disease of some kind or another.
Blood pressure readings measure “the force of the blood against the artery walls, determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.”
Those who don’t doctor regularly may never know they have it until disease sets in. Sometimes symptoms mirror other medical conditions, so people don’t pay attention.
Headaches, nose bleeds, dizziness when bending over can signal high blood pressure, but if people with those symptoms don’t call them to their care provider’s attention, a true diagnosis may never be delivered.
An article today in Newsmax.com quotes Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles: “High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and premature heart-related death.
“High-quality blood pressure management is complex and requires the engagement of patients, families, doctors, the health care systems and communities,” Fonarow noted.
“This effort includes expanding patient and health care provider awareness, appropriate lifestyle changes, access to care, workplace wellness programs, evidence-based treatment, a high level of adherence to taking medication, and adequate doctor follow-up.”
You should ask your doctor for a blood pressure reading every two years starting at age 18. If you’re 40 or younger and have high blood pressure in your family or if you are at risk because of medical, lifestyle or environmental conditions, it’s best to check your blood pressure every year or more often. Many dentists today give blood pressure checks before starting cleaning procedures.
If you don’t see a doctor regularly, you can have your blood pressure checked through county health clinics, at some drug stores or even at a Fire Station. There’s really no excuse not to know your blood pressure.
The Newsmax article went on to explain: “Your blood pressure reading uses these two numbers. Usually the systolic number comes before or above the diastolic number. A reading of
• 119/79 or lower is normal blood pressure
• 140/90 or higher is high blood pressure
• Between 120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number is called prehypertension. Prehypertension means you may end up with high blood pressure, unless you take steps to prevent it.
Again, the warning: “High blood pressure can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure.”
May happens to be Blood Pressure Awareness Education month, so GreenAcres is spotlighting several supplements our supplement market team recommends.
These should never supersede medications prescribed by your physician. However, many of our customers have found middle ground and success working with their care providers who are open to alternative medications.
We call your attention to the Kyolic product, pictured above, specially formulated with Aged Garlic Extract, Vitamins B6 and B12, and other targeted ingredients that, when paired together, can assist with fighting stress, regulating blood pressure levels and improving the body’s inflammation response. Kyolic blood pressure products are on sale all month long.