High Blood Pressure: "The Silent Killer"

If you are one of the 50 million people in the U.S. who have high blood pressure, there's a good chance that you may not even be aware of it. That's why high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is called "the silent killer."

Untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, the first and third most common causes of death in this country. High blood pressure can also increase your risk of blindness and dementia and can damage your kidneys.

Any of us can have high blood pressure but your chances are increased if you:

• are overweight
• are over age 55
• eat foods with high salt content
• smoke
• don't get regular exercise
• drink alcohol to excess

Pregnant women can also be susceptible to high blood pressure.

Because you may have no symptoms of high blood pressure doesn't mean you don't have it. The only way to know is to get checked by a medical professional.

The right medication can keep high blood pressure under control and we can also advise your regarding lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of serious and potentially life-threatening problems resulting from chronic hypertension.