May is High Blood Pressure and Stroke Awareness Month
Sunday, May 14th, 2017
The month of May brings spring flowers to Minnesota. The month of May is also National High Blood Pressure Education Month AND National Stroke Awareness month.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of adult disability. Anyone can have a stroke at any age, however a person’s chances of having a stroke increase with certain risk factors including:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- A family history of stroke
- Age and ethnicity (the risk for having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for Blacks as for Whites. Hispanics and American Indians also have a greater chance of stroke than do Whites or Asians)
- A previous stroke increases your chances of having another stroke
If you are at high risk for stroke, talk with your healthcare provider about medications and/or lifestyle changes that can reduce chances of a future stroke.
High blood pressure is a primary risk factor for stroke:
- 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure
- Only 54% of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control
- Stress, diabetes and obesity can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure
- A high sodium diet and unhealthy behaviors such as tobacco use and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase your risk for high blood pressure
- You can have high blood pressure and not know it – which is why it is known as the silent killer.
An annual physical is a good way to keep blood pressure in check. Managing high blood pressure is critical to overall good health and key to reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke.
We care about all aspects of your health. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about high blood pressure or stroke. 952-926-6489.
