The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that 45 percent of Black men and 46 percent of Black women have high blood pressure, and are more likely to die from this serious health condition than their white counterparts. Uncontrolled high blood pressure often damages arteries and leads to heart disease and stroke.
But lives can be saved
A recent study was conducted on 5,000 Black patients who initially were very neglectful of their health. However, after following even just 6 of the 7 steps recommended by the AHA, 90% of them showed improvement in their blood pressure levels. Even those who followed at least two of the healthy behaviors at the start of the study had a 20 percent lower risk of developing and dying from high blood pressure.
Here are the simple steps to follow:
- Don't smoke cigarettes
- Keep your weight at a healthy level
- Eat healthy and avoid junk food and softdrinks
- Exercise regularly and stay active
- Keep your blood sugar at healthy levels
- Control your cholesterol
- Actively manage and monitor your blood pressure
More men need to listen
During the study, which was published by Hypertension magazine, it was found that mostly women were the ones who lowered their blood pressures. In fact, all in all, those who followed the recommendations tended to be younger females.
The study clearly showed that perhaps more education initiatives are needed to help men become more aware and active in controlling their blood pressure levels.
Read more at www.medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_167036.html
