News Release Distributed 05/12/10

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. About 74.5 million people in the United States have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

“Blood pressure rises and falls during the day,” Reames says. “When blood pressure stays high over time, the heart must work harder, which may damage the heart, arteries, kidneys, brain and eyes. Untreated high blood pressure can cause heart failure, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and vision problems or blindness.”

Blood pressure is written as two numbers that measure pressure in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. The first – systolic – number represents the pressure when the heart beats. The second – diastolic – number represents the pressure when the heart rests between beats, she says.

“High blood pressure is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher,” Reames says. “According to information from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. The good news is that it can be treated and controlled.”

A blood pressure reading below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal, she adds. In general, lower is better. However, very low blood pressure can sometimes be a cause for concern and should be checked out by a doctor.

A condition called prehypertension occurs when blood pressure is between 120 and 139 for the top number or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number.

“Since prehypertension is likely to lead to high blood pressure, it’s important to take action to prevent it,” Reames says.

High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. Some people may not find out they have it until they have trouble with their heart, brain or kidneys.

Reames suggests these healthy habits to prevent or control high blood pressure:

– Cut down on salt and sodium.

– Eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.

– Lose excess weight and stay at a healthy weight.

– Be physically active.

– Quit smoking.

– Limit alcohol intake.

– Take medication if prescribed.

“Too many Americans eat too few fruits and vegetables and often load up on foods high in saturated fat, added sugars and sodium,” Reames says. “These typical eating habits can lead to increased risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart attack or stroke.”

Additional information about healthy eating is available from your parish LSU AgCenter office.