Think of a lawn mower engine powering your car. What would happen? The engine would wear down and die because it isn’t meant to power an automobile. Well that’s similar to the effects of hypertension or high blood pressure. High blood pressure makes the heart work too hard, it’s that simple.
Have your blood pressure checked and work together with your health care provider as a team to reduce it if it’s high. Monitoring your blood pressure at home between visits to your doctor is helpful. The great news is that in most cases, you are in control of your blood pressure.
Hypertension can almost always be prevented, so pay attention to these very important steps:
• Maintain a healthy weight and avoid salt
• Be physically active
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• If prescribed drugs, take as directed