(Yahoo.com – Health)– High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition which affects approximately 68 million adults in the United States alone.
Since this equates to about one-third of the adult population, chances are that you’ll either be personally affected by high blood pressure or know someone with the condition.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of both heart attack — the number one killer in the US — and stroke, which is the third leading cause of death.
Because high blood pressure may lead to potentially life-threatening conditions, it’s important to take steps to manage and control blood pressure levels. Frequently, blood pressure levels can be controlled by lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and engaging in physical activity.
Smokers are advised to stop smoking to help manage blood pressure levels. A healthy, low-sodium diet such as the DASH — Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — diet is recommended for people with high blood pressure.
In addition, it’s also important to take steps to prevent and treat diabetes.
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your physician may recommend medications to help control unhealthy blood pressure levels.
Medications may include drugs such as diuretics, also known as water pills, to ensure that your body eliminates excess water and salt.
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