High Blood Pressure and Heart Health
High blood pressure or hypertension is often called the silent killer. This is because many people who have it, don’t know it. High blood pressure can raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. Controlling your blood pressure can lower your risk of these problems. It is important to check your blood pressure regularly. It can save your life.
Members diagnosed with High Blood Pressure can enroll in our YMCA High Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program
The virtual four-month YMCA BPSM program offers personal support for members to build skills that help them manage high blood pressure, notice and control triggers that raise blood pressure, and eat healthier. Studies show that taking your blood pressure at least twice a month for four months lowers your blood pressure. Twice a month, participants attend the program and receive personal coaching, as well as attend monthly nutrition meetings.
How To Check Your Blood Pressure
When you visit your doctor, they will check your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you should check it regularly. You can use a blood pressure monitoring cuff at home or you can check your blood pressure at many pharmacies. Talk to your doctor if you need assistance purchasing a home blood pressure monitoring cuff, cuffs can be provided through your Carolina Complete Health benefits.
Managing Your Blood Pressure
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication, diet and exercise programs to help. It is important that you follow your doctor’s directions to control your blood pressure.
By making these lifestyle changes, you can help keep your blood pressure levels healthy:
- Get regular physical activity. Staying physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health. Physical activity helps keep your heart and blood vessels strong. It also can help you keep a healthy weight.
- Do not smoke. Smoking damages your blood vessels and greatly increases your risk of not only high blood pressure but also heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Eat healthy foods. Choosing healthy meal and snack options can help you avoid high blood pressure and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Keep a healthy weight. Having overweight or obesity means your heart must work harder to pump blood and oxygen around the body. Staying at a healthy weight reduces the stress on your heart and reduces your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Source: CDC
High Blood Pressure Statistics
- Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the United States.1
- Nearly half of adults have high blood pressure (48.1%, 119.9 million). This is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mm Hg or are taking medication for high blood pressure.1
- A higher percentage of men (50%) have high blood pressure than women (44%).1
- An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition.2
- Less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated.2
- Approximately 1 in 5 adults (21%) with hypertension have it under control.2
- Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.2
Assistance with Scheduling an Appointment
If you need help making an appointment with your primary care provider, please contact Member Services at 1-833-552-3876 (TTY 711) from 7a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.