Quick and Easy Learning and Tips about Blood Pressure!!
By: Uzma Khan*
What is High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the arteries have persistently elevated blood pressure. Every time the human heart beats, it pumps blood to the whole body through the arteries. The higher the pressure the harder the heart has to pump. The normal level for blood pressure is below 120/80, where 120 represent the systolic measurement (peak pressure in the arteries) and 80 represents the diastolic measurement (minimum pressure in the arteries). Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called prehypertension (to denote increased risk of hypertension), and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered hypertension.
High Blood Pressure Risk Factors:
• Increased age
• Excessive weight
• A family history of high blood pressure
• Having diabetes
• Inactivity
• High dietary salt and fat
• Low intake of potassium
• Smoking
Experts are now investigating how socioeconomic disadvantages, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors may compound the genetic and biological risks. Socioeconomic variables that may account for the difference in hypertension risk include less access to health care and health care information, and lower levels of education and income. Lack of resources for a healthy lifestyle and chronic stress from social factors such as higher unemployment and living in a disadvantaged neighborhood surrounded by noise, violence, and poverty are also factors.
How can I control my Blood Pressure without taking medications?
Researchers will hopefully find the causes for the high incidence of high blood pressure in American communities. In the meantime, there is a lot you can do to keep high blood pressure from damaging your health.
• Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Reduce sodium in your diet
• Limit the amount of alcohol
• Avoid tobacco products and secondhand smoke
• Cut back on caffeine
• Reduce your stress
• Monitor your blood pressure at home and make regular doctor's appointments
• Get support from family and friends
Do the RIGHT thing and take care of your HEART!!
*Alhamdullilah, each month Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services, LLC will be traveling to different masjids to discuss health related matters. A major component of Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services, LLC is health and nutrition education. Sister Uzma Khan is currently attending Mercer University for a Master’s Degree in Public Health and is part of our education staff. For further information, please contact us thru This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
