Hypertension is a killer but most people do not even know how to identify it

Hypertension increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.

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More than 100 million US citizens, or half of all adults, suffer from hypertension. However, a recent study suggests that not all Americans are aware of the basics of blood pressure.

In a recent study conducted this year by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association, researchers found that nearly 80% of adults with high blood pressure did not check it often enough. And more than half of Americans do not know what constitutes a high figure.

According to the American Heart Association, it is important to check your blood pressure daily (at the same time each day) if you have high blood pressure.

"Hypertension causes more death and disability than any other disease and we are fortunate to be able to control it with generic drugs in routine care settings," says Dr. Joshua A. Beckman, director of Vascular Medicine and Co-Director of Vanderbilt Vascular Biology. Center of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The researchers found that about 38% of those surveyed had been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

However, 18% do not remember if they have ever been diagnosed.

Currently, the widely accepted definition of high blood pressure is considered 130/80 mmHg. However, 64% of Americans can not identify what constitutes a high or high blood count.

Researchers interviewed participants about their demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and blood pressure behaviors. The data were then extrapolated and weighted to be representative of the US population.

In the entire study population – those with high blood pressure and those who do not – 55% of those at high risk said they did not fear a risk of heart attack.

Of those diagnosed with high blood pressure, 36% were not afraid of having a heart attack – something that affects 735,000 Americans each year, according to the report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Hypertension has been described as "silent killer"Because often it does not show any symptoms until it has caused a serious health problem.

People living with untreated high blood pressure for long periods are at increased risk for heart disease, stroke, vision loss and kidney failure.

"Most of the time, high blood pressure does not present any obvious symptoms indicating that something is wrong," according to Sondra DePalma, DHSc, PA-C, of ​​the American Heart Association and the US Department of Health. University of Pennsylvania PinnacleHealth Cardiovascular Institute in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

She added that "the very nature of high blood pressure is why it is often considered unimportant". As high blood pressure is often asymptomatic, many people do not find themselves checking it regularly or paying much attention to it.

This study then revealed that in hypertensives, 4 out of 10 people did not know what their last reading was.

Because of the high risk of high blood pressure, it is recommended that people with hypertension check and document their readings regularly.

"We call on all Americans to take charge of their heart health by knowing and monitoring their blood pressure," said Dr. Barbara L. McAneny, president of the American Medical Association and hematologist / oncologist from Albuquerque , in New Mexico.

Although high blood pressure is beyond adolescence, Beckman believes early education is the key to prevention.

"Public education on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and cholesterol, should be taught in high school, as these problems are frequent in the United States and strongly influenced by daily lifestyle choices. "

McAnney recommends that Americans with uncontrolled hypertension work with their doctors to create an individualized treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes that they can realistically adhere to in the long term, helping them maintain pressure. low blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious health consequences. "

Large health organizations understanding that high blood pressure education is a problem, the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association are joining together to raise awareness. opinion with fatal consequences of uncontrolled hypertension.

This partnership campaign encourages people to get free resources on LowerYourHBP.com to start living a healthier life.