The #1 killer in the U.S. does not discriminate. Heart disease and stroke kill more people than all cancers combined. One routine, yet vital procedure that can determine your heart health is your blood pressure. When visiting your doctor and rolling up your sleeve for your blood pressure check is not just a routine procedure but can make the difference between life and death.
High Blood Pressure is often referred to as the ‘silent killer,’ due to the often ignored symptoms. Symptoms like blurry or double vision, lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, or headaches. All symptoms that we can easily ignore or blame on something else.
The American Heart Association says the prevalence of high blood pressure among African Americans in the United States is among the highest in the world. About 55% of Black adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension or HBP. African Americans also have disproportionately high rates of more severe HBP and it develops earlier in life. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, African Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites.
The good news is with early detection and better treatments, you can help improve your heart health and lower your blood pressure.
Follow These Doctor’s Orders:
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- Schedule a visit with your doctor and regularly check your blood pressure.
- Early detection helps with the effects of high blood pressure, as well as lifestyle changes and finding the right medication.
- Make some lifestyle changes to help reverse the affects of high blood pressure or to prevent it include:
- Eat a well-balanced diet low in salt/sodium
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Regular physical activity
- Manage stress
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Take medications properly
- And, lastly, work with your doctor to find what works best for you!
- Schedule a visit with your doctor and regularly check your blood pressure.
If you need help managing your blood pressure or heart health, our providers are here to help. We also have community health educators that can help you with food choices, medication, weight management and much more. Give us a call, 810-406-4246 to schedule an appointment today or visit us at HamiltonCHN.org.
