Throughout the month of February, the American Heart Association educates about heart disease and prevention. So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day and Heart Awareness Month, I thought I would educate you about high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” because it can go unnoticed by the patient. You may wonder why your doctor takes your blood pressure every time you sit down in the office and this is why. Many people who are diagnosed with high blood pressure have no symptoms. If untreated for too long, high blood pressure can start to damage your heart, your arteries, and other organs. For this reason, it’s important to see your doctor at least once per year for a yearly physical, even if you haven’t been sick.

Like many diseases later in life, what we do now can have an impact on our future. Here are some tips about what you can do to reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

• Enjoy regular physical activity! I know you hear this all the time, but that is because exercise is important. Regular physical activity can be specific to each person: brisk walking, swimming, running, hiking, fitness classes, or team sports. Find something you enjoy. Make the exercise a group or family activity. Give the exercise priority.
• Avoid tobacco use! Did you know that every cigarette you have actually increases your blood pressure temporarily, even for up to 20 minutes after you finish it? Did you also know that one year after quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is HALF of what it was while you were smoking?
• Manage your stress level. Stress causes us to go into a “fight or flight” situation, which if faced with a threat is beneficial, but when we are chronically stressed it can negatively affect our health. Everyone handles stress differently, so take the time to learn from yourself what stresses you out and how you can manage that stress. Further information can be found HERE: (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm)

Education is the first step to living a healthier life. The second step is doing something with that knowledge. Since this month is all about awareness and education, I challenge you to spread the word about high blood pressure. If you have any questions or want to check your blood pressure here at the pharmacy, just ask!