FEBRUARY IS HEART MONTH

East County News Service

February 15, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - February is Heart Health Month, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a Million Hearts^® effort to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the United States by 2017.  The CDC is encouraging you to know your blood pressure, and if it's high, to make control  your goal.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.  More than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are 4 times more likely to die from a stroke and 3 times more likely to die from heart disease, compared to those with normal blood pressure.

High blood pressure often shows no signs or symptoms, which is why having your blood pressure checked regularly is important. It's easy to get your blood pressure checked. You can get screened at your doctor's office and drugstores or even check it yourself at home, using a home blood pressure monitor.

If you know you have high blood pressure,  here are ways to help get it under control.

• Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be. Set a goal to lower your pressure with your doctor and talk about how you can reach your goal.
• Reduce sodium intake. Salt and many prepared foods are high in sodium.  Most Americans consume too much sodium, which can raise blood pressure.  The Million Hearts Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Resource Center has heart-healthy, low-sodium recipes and meal plans.
• Quit smoking – and if you don’t smoke, don’t start, since smoking can raise blood pressure.
• If your doctor prescribes blood pressure medication, take it as directed. Set a timer on your phone to remember to take your medicine at the same time each day. If you are having trouble paying for your medicines, or if you are having side effects, ask your doctor for help.

For more information about high blood pressure is available at http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/ .  You can also visit http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/ .