May is a critical month for our health. It is the time when health experts focus on two major areas: Stroke Awareness and Blood Pressure Education
It is no coincidence that these two are paired together. High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes. In fact, individuals with high blood pressure are two times more likely to have a stroke. The good news is that 80% of strokes are preventable simply by managing your blood pressure numbers!
The “Silent Killer”
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because most people do not have symptoms. You can’t feel your blood pressure rising like you can feel a fever or a headache. The only way to know if you are at risk is to have it checked with a blood pressure cuff.
Understanding Your Numbers
When you get your blood pressure checked, you will see two numbers (like 120/80).
Here is what they mean:
At Goal: Less than 120 (top) and less than 80 (bottom).
Early Warning: 120–129 (top) and less than 80 (bottom).
High: 130 or higher (top) or 80 or higher (bottom).
If your blood pressure stays high for a long time, it can hurt your heart and make it hard for blood to get to your brain. This is what causes a stroke.
Lifestyle Management for Adults
You can take control of your cardiovascular health through these daily habits:
- Monitor Salt Intake: Excessive sodium causes your body to retain fluid, which increases pressure. Aim for fresh, whole foods over processed ones.
- Adult Physical Activity: Consistency is key. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. This can include brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Additionally, try to incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week to keep your heart and vessels resilient.
- Heart-Healthy Nutrition: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins (like the DASH diet) to help naturally lower your blood pressure.
Where to Check Your Blood Pressure
Checking your pressure is quick and easy. You have several local options:
• Use a kiosk at a local pharmacy.
• Stop by Promise Community Health Center to have a professional screening.
• The Sioux Center Public Library of Things actually has blood pressure machines you can check out! This allows you to monitor your levels at home where you are most relaxed.
• At home validated blood pressure machines are now widely available for purchase.
Know the Signs of a Stroke (F.A.S.T.)
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, act immediately. Use the F.A.S.T. method:
• F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• T – Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Every second counts for brain health!
By staying informed and active, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your heart for years to come.
Promise Community Health Center is proud to be named a 2024 Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champion. This prestigious national award recognizes our excellence in managing patient heart health. To become a Champion, an organization must achieve at least an 80% blood pressure control rate among its adult patients—a high standard that ensures our patients are living healthier, safer lives. Promise is one of only four organizations in Iowa to earn this honor in 2024, placing us among the top-tier providers for cardiovascular care in the region.