How much do you know about high blood pressure? Here’s a little quiz on the subject followed by the answers.

1. T or F: There is nothing you can do to prevent high blood pressure.

2. T or F: If your mother or father has high blood pressure, you’ll get it.

3. T or F: Young adults don’t get high blood pressure.

4. T or F: High blood pressure has no symptoms.

5. T or F: Stress causes high blood pressure.

6. T or F: High blood pressure is not life-threatening.

7. T or F: Blood pressure is high when it is at or over 140/90 mm Hg.

8. T or F: If you are overweight, you’re two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure.

9. T or F: You have to exercise vigorously every day to improve your blood pressure and heart health.

10. T or F: Drinking alcohol lowers blood pressure.

Answers
#1: False. High blood pressure can be prevented with four steps: 1) maintain a healthy weight; 2) become and stay physically active; 3) limit your salt and sodium use; and, 4) drink alcoholic beverages only in moderation.

#2: False. You are more likely to get high blood pressure if it runs in your family, but that doesn’t mean you must get it. High blood pressure is NOT an inevitable part of aging. Everyone can take steps to prevent the disease (see Answer #1).

#3: False. About 15 percent of those ages 18-39 are among the 50 million Americans with high blood pressure. Once you have high blood pressure, you have it for the rest of your life. So start now to prevent it.

#4: True. Although some people report having a headache, high blood pressure, or “hypertension,” usually has no symptoms. In fact, it is often called the “silent killer.” You can have high blood pressure and feel fine. That’s why it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

#5: False. Stress does make blood pressure go up, but only temporarily. Ups and downs in blood pressure are normal. Blood pressure becomes dangerous when it’s always high because it can harm your heart and blood vessels. What causes high blood pressure? In a vast majority of cases, a single cause is never found.

#6: False. High blood pressure is the main cause of stroke and a factor in the development of heart disease and kidney failure.

#7: True. But even blood pressure slightly under 140/90 mm Hg can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke.

#8: True. As weight increases, so does blood pressure. It’s important to stay at a healthy weight. If you need to lose weight, try to lose 12 to 1 pound a week. Choose foods low in fat (especially saturated or trans fat), since fat is high in calories.

#9: False. Studies show that even a little physical activity helps prevent high blood pressure and strengthens your heart. Even among the overweight, those who are active have lower blood pressures than those who aren’t. It’s best to do some activity for 30 minutes, most days.

#10: False. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. The “Dietary Guidelines” recommend women limit their alcohol to no more than one drink a day and men should have no more than two drinks a day. (1 drink = 1.5 oz. of 80 proof whiskey, 5 oz. of wine, or 12 oz. of beer.)

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

For more information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, please contact LifeCare’s Wellness Coordinator Dawn Hedlund at (218) 463-4773