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Over the last several years, science, and more importantly, medical
practitioners have begun to take notice and work to find ways to reduce the
number of people diagnosed with it. The Department of Health and Human
Services has even taken up the cause to reverse or prevent hypertension
altogether. Their Million Hearts initiative aims to prevent the effects of high
blood pressure, like heart attacks and strokes.
Why these numbers continue to rise in due in part to many factors. Lifestyle
choices are to blame primarily. Lack of exercise, high-fat diets, alcohol use,
tobacco use, high sodium diets, consuming fat-rich foods and highly
processed foods all play a part in whether or not we’ll develop
hypertension. That being said, there are other factors known as secondary
conditions that play a role in causing high blood pressure.
Unlike many disease processes, you may not experience overt signs or
symptoms until it’s too late. Fortunately, however, there are readily
available means of measuring your blood pressure. Many big box stores
and chain pharmacies have blood pressure machines. While these devices
are convenient, they may not be entirely reliable, but they can alert you to
possible problems that you should address with your physician.
Limit your salt (sodium) intake. Read labels. Be mindful of what you’re
eating and drinking. Many patients have found that just by eliminating salt
or greatly reducing the amount they consume, they’ve managed to keep
their blood pressure under control.