Heart Failure

All About Blood Pressure from the American Heart Association
Did you know that high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke and heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib)?


Anyone at any age can develop high blood pressure, including children, young adults, adults and older adults. Check your blood pressure regularly. 

To get the best blood pressure reading, sit in a chair for about 5-10 minutes, both feet flat on the ground and remain quiet and still. Get more guidance.
 

Lowering Blood Pressure
  • If you have high blood pressure, in addition to lifestyle changes, you may need medication. Learn more about the different types of high blood pressure medications.
  • Eating a healthy diet can help lower or prevent high blood pressure. Some key nutrition information to know:
    • Sodium (Salt) – Adults should have 2,300 mg (about 1 teaspoon of salt) of sodium a day or less. Follow a heart healthy eating pattern, for example the DASH eating plan, which emphasizes reduced sodium intake and a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and low-fat or nonfat dairy, and includes lean meats and poultry, fish and cooking with nontropical oils.
    • Fruits and vegetables – Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; emphasize the variety.
    • Alcohol – Drink less or no alcohol to lower or prevent high blood pressure.
  • If you are living with excess weight, losing about 5% of body weight can support overall health and help lower or prevent high blood pressure. Here’s an example: If you weigh 180 pounds, look up “what is 5% of 180?” The answer is nine. Losing nine pounds can help lower your blood pressure.
  • Stay active your way.
  • Try stress-reducing activities, including meditation, breathing control and/or yoga. 
  • Finally, check out Life’s Essential 8 to learn more about what you can do to improve your heart and brain health.
Ask your healthcare team about other common health conditions that can lead to high blood pressure including obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes and thyroid problems.