High Blood Pressure: Not Just an Executive Problem
Why worry? Because high blood pressure can increase your risk of stroke, kidney
failure, eye damage, blocked arteries, congestive heart failure, and heart attacks. Considering that over 54,000 people in the US died of high blood pressure-related
illnesses in 2004, you can see why this disease is often called "the silent killer."
Once you have high blood pressure, you may be able to lower it to the normal
range by making lifestyle changes. Here’s what you can do:
- Maintain a healthy weight – lose weight if you are overweight
- Follow the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
- Get 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise, such as walking
- Reduce sodium intake to 1,500 mg a day – limit or avoid processed foods
- If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink or fewer a day
Despite lifestyle changes, however, many people with hypertension still need medication. Many different medications are currently available depending on your needs. If you develop high blood pressure, talk to your doctor or nurse about how to control it.
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic | Result |
| Normal | less than 120 | less than 80 | Good for you! |
| Prehypertension | 120 – 139 | 80 – 89 | Your blood pressure could be a problem. |
| Hypertension | 140 or more | 90 or more | You have high blood pressure. |