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What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is higher than it should be. This can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure is the top number and represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure is the bottom number and represents the pressure in your arteries between beats.

If your systolic blood pressure is 120 mmHg or higher, and your diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg or higher, you have high blood pressure. You can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it because it usually has no signs or symptoms.

Prevalence of high blood pressure in Canada

High blood pressure is a serious problem in Canada. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, about one in every seven adults has high blood pressure, and the prevalence is rising. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in Canada. The good news is that high blood pressure can be prevented and treated. Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight, can help prevent high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, there are treatments available that can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. For more information on high blood pressure, visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.com or call 1-800-267-5597.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation provides funding to support research that promotes healthier lives for Canadians.

Risk factors for high blood pressure

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, high blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The foundation reports that nearly one in four Canadians have high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.

There are several risk factors for high blood pressure, including family history, age, ethnicity, obesity, and diabetes. People with a family history of high blood pressure are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Age is also a risk factor; as people get older, their arteries become less flexible and more stiff, which can lead to higher blood pressure.

Ethnicity is another risk factor; African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than other groups. Obesity is associated with high blood pressure, and losing weight can reduce blood pressure even more. Finally, diabetes is a risk factor for high blood pressure; having diabetes makes it more difficult for the body to regulate its blood sugar levels, which can result in high blood pressure. Although the most common cause of high blood pressure is age-related, there are some other risk factors that can lead to high blood pressure. These include smoking and alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and physical activity, stress, and a diet high in salt or sodium. High blood pressure is also a symptom of other health conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, and estrogen deficiency.

Complications of high blood pressure

If high blood pressure left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health conditions.

Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight, can help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.

Treatment of high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a condition that affects many people in Canada. While there are many treatments available, not all of them are effective for everyone.

There are several medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure, but they don’t work for everyone. Some people may need to try multiple medications before finding one that works for them. In addition to medication, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can also help to lower blood pressure.

For some people, high blood pressure can be a serious condition that requires ongoing treatment. If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that works for you.

If you’re looking to prevent high blood pressure, there are several things you can do. First, aim to eat a healthy diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also limit your sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day. Additionally, regular exercise is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity most days of the week.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a major problem in Canada. It is the leading cause of death and disability. The burden of high blood pressure is highest among Aboriginal peoples, Inuit and Metis. The prevalence of high blood pressure is increasing in all age groups. High blood pressure is a preventable and controllable condition. The best way to prevent high blood pressure is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

If you want to check your blood pressure, or have a question, please call Pharmaviva Pharmacy at 905-680-7077