High blood pressure, which is often called a silent disease because it doesn’t have any symptoms, is a big threat to overall health. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease (including kidney failure), and death.
Blood pressure medicine can protect the heart, brain, and kidneys, but it only works if patients take it. To make sure your blood pressure is well controlled, consider doing the following:
- Work with your healthcare provider to find a medication that best fits your needs with the fewest side effects.
- Lose weight (even a small amount helps).
- Be physically active on a regular basis (walking is good).
- Season food with spices, not salt. Decrease processed foods in your diet and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Quit tobacco. Nicotine raises your blood pressure.
All of these changes can have a positive impact on your blood pressure. In some cases by making these changes, people have been able to reduce the amount of medication they take or even stop taking medication altogether.
For more information, contact:
Chronic Disease Prevention
Allegheny County Health Department
Hosanna House
807 Wallace Ave., 2nd Fl.
Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
412-247-7816