High blood pressure is a major cause of strokes, heart attacks and even kidney failure.

The most important first step is knowing what your blood pressure is:

Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.

Do you believe you already know the signs of normal blood pressure:

• If your head feels fine, that does not mean you are free from high blood pressure. You may feel nothing and still have high blood pressure.
• If your blood pressure was high before, but you took your pressure today and the doctor did not say anything, that does not mean it went away.  Make sure you ask for the number.
• If you were told you have high blood pressure, BUT you only take your medicines when you have a headache, or are feeling nervous or stressed, you are making a big mistake.

High blood pressure is more common in African-Americans than any other group in the United States. Some of the reasons for this are genetic, but other reasons are related to other risk factors that can cause the development of high blood pressure. These risk factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, or eating salty foods, among others.

If there is one take-away as you read this, it is this: if you have been told you have high blood pressure and have been prescribed medication for your blood pressure, you need to take it EVERYDAY. Not just on the bad days, but everyday.

If the medicines are upsetting your stomach, making you feel dizzy, affecting your sexual activity or anything else, let your doctor know and ask to change it.

If you can’t afford the medicine, again speak to your doctor. There are programs as well as many other low cost options, to help you get your medicines.

The medicines do work! Take the right one for you!

Remember, prevention of a stroke, dialysis for kidney disease or a heart attack is within your control.

Ref.: Have a Healthy Heart^TM.