Your numbers are your only warning. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
High blood pressure increases your chances of having a stroke, a heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and other life-threatening illnesses.
Lifestyle changes can prevent and control high blood pressure. These include:
•Lose weight if you are overweight and maintain a healthy weight.
•Eat heart healthy (fruits, vegetables, lowfat dairy products, foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat).
•Become more physically active (30 minutes of moderate-level activity daily).
•Reduce salt and sodium intake (2,400 mg or about 1 teaspoon daily).
•Quit smoking.
•Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation (for men a maximum of 2 drinks a day, women a maximum of 1 a day).
•Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
•Take medication as prescribed.
Caloney Mesik, RN, BS
Bayfield County Health Department