Did you know that high blood pressure is also called hypertension?

Hypertension is:

• When blood pressure is higher than normal.
• A chronic disease that requires treatment.

What is blood pressure?

It is the force that pumps blood through the body.

What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions:

• Lack of physical activity.
• Being overweight.
• Too much salt intake.
• Stress.
• Too much alcohol intake.
• Chronic heavy smoking.

Act now!

Check your blood pressure and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Raised blood pressure is the number one cause of preventable death.

• This chronic disease can be a “silent killer” as the symptoms are not obvious.
• One in five people with hypertension don’t know that they have it.

Why should you get your blood pressure checked regularly?

When your blood pressure is higher than normal, you are in danger of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.

How is your blood pressure checked?

One simple and easy test that can be done by a healthcare provider.

What you can do to prevent high blood pressure!

These lifestyle choices can help prevent hypertension and its complications:

• Start doing regular physical activity.
• Try to lose weight.
• Improve your diet.
• Relax.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
• Talk to your doctor.
• Take your medication as prescribed.

If you need help with managing your hypertension, talk to a healthcare provider closest to you.