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PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:  February 4, 2010

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease
February is American Heart Month

A growing number of Missourians have high blood pressure, one of the major risk factors for heart disease. More than 29 percent of adults in Missouri reported having high blood pressure in 2007, compared to just over 27 percent a decade earlier, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

February is American Heart Month, and officials from the Phelps/Maries County Health Department are urging Phelps and Maries County residents to get their blood pressure checked on a regular basis to help prevent heart disease – Missouri’s leading cause of death.  The Phelps/Maries County Health Department provides free walk-in blood pressure screening.

“One of the most important things you can do to help keep your heart healthy is get your blood pressure checked,” said Jodi Waltman, Administrator. “If your blood pressure is high, you need to take steps to control it and reduce your risk for developing heart disease.”

High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms until serious problems develop. In addition to damaging the heart, high blood pressure can damage other major organs including the kidneys and eyes.

A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80, while a blood pressure level greater than 140/90 is high. A person whose blood pressure falls in between those levels is considered to have pre-hypertension and is at serious risk of developing high blood pressure.

People of all ages can have high blood pressure.

A person is at greater risk for developing high blood pressure if they:

• Are overweight or obese
• Have high blood cholesterol
• Have diabetes
• Consume too much salt and not enough potassium
• Drink too much alcohol
• Smoke

A number of actions can be taken to keep blood pressure under control, including:

• Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If it is high, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treating it.
• Take your medications as prescribed.
• Monitor cholesterol levels.
• Control diabetes.
• Be physically active.
• Eat a healthy diet to promote a healthy weight.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use.

“Smart lifestyle choices will help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level and can help you live a longer life,” said Waltman.

More information about heart disease and high blood pressure can be found at www.dhss.mo.gov/HeartDisease, http://www.dhss.mo.gov/HighBloodPressure  or www.phelpscountyhealth.com .

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