World Hypertension Day

May 17 is World Hypertension Day. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is a common condition affecting 17.7% of Canadians aged 12 and older. A blood pressure value of 140/90 mmHg is considered high. If untreated, hypertension can cause death or serious health consequences such as heart attack, stroke, dementia, kidney failure, and vision loss.

Hypertension is described as "the silent killer" as the condition may have no obvious symptoms to indicate that something is wrong. Many people do not know that they have hypertension. Your risk of developing hypertension depends on two types of factors: Non-Modifiable & Modifiable Factors. Non-Modifiable factors are facets of your health that cannot be changed such as a family history of heart disease. It is important to know what these factors are. Modifiable factors, however, are lifestyle choices that will either protect or put you at risk for developing hypertension. Here are some general recommendations to protect yourself:

• Know your blood pressure
• Eat healthily and reduce salt consumption
• Eat more fruit and vegetables
• Limit alcohol intake
• Do not smoke
• Be physically active
• Maintain a healthy body weight

Find out specific ways to take care of yourself on the Heart and Stroke Foundation website, and what to do if you have hypertension.