High Blood Pressure is Common:
A diagnosis of high blood pressure is very common. About 1 in 4 adults in the US have high blood pressure. The number is even higher for people over the age 65.
The Good News:
High Blood Pressure can often be managed using simple lifestyle changes. By changing yoru diet and exercise level, you can bring your blood pressure down significantly. These changes will not only improve your blood pressure, but they will also improve your overall health. By making the dietary and exercise changes to manage your high blood pressure, you will notice that you ahve more energy, you sleep better, and you are overall healthier.
The Bad News:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can be a very dangerous thing. The risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems increases dramatically when someon has high blood pressure. If lifestyle change isn't working fast enough, your doctor may give you medications to help reduce your blood pressure. These work well in most people. Even if the medication is workign well, you should make all the lifestyle changes you can to reduce your need for medication.
