High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it has no symptoms. However, it’s important to know whether or not you have high blood pressure, as it can lead to more serious conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, heart attack and death.
If high blood pressure has no symptoms, then how do you know if you have it? Aside from being tested by a doctor, the following quiz will help you determine whether or not you’re at risk for high blood pressure. Give yourself a point for each question you answer “yes” to.
1. Family history: Your father or brother (under the age of 55) or your mother or sister (under the age of 65) has had a heart attack, stroke, angioplasty (surgical widening of the arteries with a balloon), or bypass surgery.
2. Age: You are over 55.
3. Smoking: You smoke every day, or you are continually exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis.
4. High blood pressure: You’ve had your blood pressure measured and it is over 120/80.
5. Physical activity: You don’t exercise at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.
6. Diabetes: You have diabetes or you take medication to control high blood sugar.
7. Blood Cholesterol Levels: Your HDL (“good”) cholesterol level is less than 35 or your total cholesterol is over 240.
8. Overweight/Obese: You are more than 20 pounds overweight.
9. Hormones and menopause: You have had a hysterectomy, have had your ovaries removed, or have experienced menopause.
10. Birth control pills: When combined with cigarette smoke, either direct or secondhand, your chances of having high blood pressure increase.
11. Stress: You have a high stress job or family/socioeconomic factors that contribute to high stress levels.
Give yourself a point for each “yes” answer. If your total points are 2 or more, you are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. It is important that you see your doctor to get a full exam and discuss your options.
Now What?
If your doctor determines you have high blood pressure, he will encourage you to make some lifestyle changes. These can include:
Diet. A diet that is high in fat and cholesterol can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, two large factors in the development of heart disease. Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, protein, and whole grains can reduce the likelihood of developing the conditions that can lead to heart failure. Avoiding a diet that consists of a great deal of red meat and foods high in trans fat will also reduce a person’s risk.
Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and obesity, a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease. Excess weight causes the heart to constantly work harder than normal to pump blood throughout the body. Regular exercise can not only help maintain a healthy weight, but also curb the onslaught of high blood pressure and other factors that lead to heart disease.
Smoking. The link between smoking and heart disease is indisputable – a smoker’s chance of developing heart disease is up to four times greater than that of a nonsmoker. Chemicals in nicotine also reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood, thereby reducing oxygen needed by the heart.
Alcohol consumption. A high level of alcohol consumption has been linked to heart disease and high blood pressure. Aim for no more than two drinks a day as an absolute maximum.
High blood pressure can be deadly, but if caught in time it can also be treated.