GEORGIA AND THE SOUTHEAST LEAD NATON IN HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious disease that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It increases the workload on the heart, causing it to enlarge and weaken over time. In persons with diabetes, the chances of kidney disease and eye problems increase in those who have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but is more prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. Both African Americans and whites in Georgia and the rest of the southeastern U.S. have a higher prevalence of high blood pressure and stroke than those in other regions of the country. If you have diabetes, you are twice as likely to have high blood pressure than persons without diabetes.

Hypertension usually has no specific symptoms and no early warning signs, so you should have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure is usually diagnosed when the systolic (upper number) is over 140 or the diastolic (lower number) is over 90. The new goal for blood pressure levels for persons with diabetes is under 130/80 because of the higher risks associated with the combination of diabetes and heart disease. Even a small reduction in blood pressure can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease.

Pat Jones of the Georgia Diabetes Control Program says the signs of stroke include numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; trouble talking or understanding what others are saying to you; sudden, severe, unexplained headache; sudden dimness or loss of vision; or unexplained dizziness or falls. Remember that a stroke is an Emergency. Call 911.

Here are some ways you can help control or prevent high blood pressure:
1) Stop smoking.
2) Lose weight if you are overweight.
3) Reduce your salt intake.
4) Increase physical activity.
5) Eat more fruits and vegetable and low-fat dairy products.
6) Eat less meat and poultry.
7) Eat more whole grains, nuts, beans and peas.

If you have high blood pressure, you can buy a device to check your blood pressure at home. If you cannot control your blood pressure by making these lifestyle changes, talk to your doctor about the need for medication. High blood pressure is often referred to as the "silent killer" for good reason, so don't ignore it.

Reference: American Heart Association web site: www.americanheart.org

Debbie Wilburn is County Agent/Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Hall (770)535-8290 and the Forsyth (770)887-2418 County Extension Service.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/7/191851