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Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with hypertension or it runs in your family, it’s important to your overall well-being to understand what it is and how it can be prevented. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the condition where the force of your blood is too high against your artery walls. Luckily, with a few lifestyle and dietary adjustments, you should be able to protect yourself from developing high blood pressure.

What to Know About High Blood Pressure

1. It’s More Common Than You Think

The American Heart Association estimates that more than 100 million Americans have hypertension – and many don’t know it and aren’t receiving treatment for it. High blood pressure is also known as the silent killer because people don’t always exhibit symptoms, so it’s important to visit your doctor for regular checkups.

2. Women Have Unique Risks

hypertensionResearchers estimate nearly one in five women have high blood pressure, which can increase exponentially when expecting a child. Pregnant women face more dangerous ramifications from hypertension during pregnancy, including damage to her organs, preterm labor, and low birth weight.

3. Healthy Eating & Exercise Reduces Your Risk

Eating a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. Routine exercise strengthens your heart and makes it easier to pump blood, which greatly reduces the force in your artery walls. Additionally, a healthy diet will help keep your arteries clear of plaque, which collects on the walls and restricts blood flow.

4. Both Numbers Are Important

Often, people think if their top number in the blood pressure reading is in the right range, then they’re healthy. Unfortunately, the bottom number, which measures your diastolic blood pressure, is equally important. A top number of less than 120 and a bottom number of less than 80 is considered ideal.

 

Whether you’re looking for more information about hypertension or need to have the health of your kidneys tested, the professionals at Mt Auburn Nephrology in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio, have the knowledge, skill, and expertise to treat your needs. With privileges at multiple area hospitals, you can receive treatment for your hypertension at your convenience. To learn more about the services offered by Mt Auburn Nephrology, visit them online or call 513-841-0222.

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