Valentine's Day gift straight from the heart

Director of Health

Education

The perfect gift this Valentine's Day is the gift of heart health. Along with Valentine's Day, February marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health.

High blood pressure can often lead to heart attack and heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. If left untreated, high blood pressure can permanently damage your heart, brain, eyes and kidneys.

Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: The top number (systolic) which is also the higher of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts). The bottom number (diastolic), which is the lower of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood). While your blood pressure can change from minute to minute with changes in posture, exercise, stress or sleep, it should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic AND less than 80 diastolic) for an adult age 20 or over.

It is important to know the risk factors that may contribute to a person developing high blood pressure. Risk factors are conditions that may be present that increase the probability that you may develop a disease. Some risk factors for high blood pressure, such as age, race and family history are beyond a person's control. However, other risk factors for high blood pressure such as obesity, tobacco use, limited amounts of physical activity and excessive alcohol use can be reduced through lifestyle changes. Changing your lifestyle can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend that you eat healthier, exercise regularly, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight. In addition to diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood pressure.

High blood pressure isn't a problem that you can treat and then ignore. It's a condition you need to manage for the rest of your life. To keep your blood pressure under control take your medication correctly, see your doctor regularly, make healthy lifestyle changes and manage your stress.

The Perry County Health Department encourages everyone to know and understand what their blood pressure means for them. Stop by the health department for a free blood pressure screening, ideas to help you incorporate physical activity into your daily life and suggestions to help you eat healthier.

The Perry County Health Department is working to keep you healthy where you live, work and play. For more information about any program or service offered by the Perry County Health Department, contact us at 342-5179 or visit us online at www.perryhealth.com