High blood pressure

High blood pressure affects one in five Canadians. It is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease, so it is very important that it is properly controlled. Yet 43% of Canadians with high blood pressure don't even know they have it because there are no symptoms. You can't see it. You can't feel it. But the good news is that you can control it.

Are you under pressure?
Could you be at risk of high blood pressure and not even know it? To find out, take the Heart&Stroke Blood Pressure Action PlanTM which will identify your risk of heart disease and stroke and provides realistic tips, advice and support to help you prevent or control high blood pressure.

    Click to take the free assessment.
    What is high blood pressure?

    Blood pressure (hypertension) is a measure of the pressure or force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels called arteries. The top number represents the pressure when your heart contracts and pushes blood out (systolic) and the bottom number is the lowest pressure when the heart relaxes between beats (diastolic).

    Blood pressure that is consistently more than 140 / 90 mm Hg is considered high, but if you have diabetes, 130 / 80 mm Hg is high. Normal blood pressure is below 120 / 80 mm Hg.

    How it causes heart disease and stroke

    Over time high blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls causing scarring that promotes the build-up of fatty plaque, which can narrow and eventually block arteries. It also strains the heart and eventually weakens it. Very high blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst resulting in a stroke.

    Reduce your pressure. Reduce your risk.

    With proper diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure, you can cut your risk of stroke by up to 40% and heart attack by up to 25%.

    Here are some tips to get your blood pressure in check:
    1. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so have yours checked at least once every two years by a healthcare professional.
    2. If you have been told you have high-normal blood pressure, Canadian guidelines recommend that you have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. High normal ranges between 130/85 and 139/89.
    3. If your doctor has prescribed medication, take it as directed.
    4. Eat a balanced diet, be physically active and smoke-free, and reduce your salt and alcohol intake to help lower your blood pressure. To learn how to make healthy lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure readings, click here.
    5. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Even a modest reduction in weight, as little as 10%, can dramatically decrease your chances of having a stroke or heart attack.
    6. Set aside some time every day to relax. Stress can cause blood pressure to rise in the short-term.
    7. Limit your alcohol intake to 1 to 2 drinks per day to a weekly maximum of 9 for women and 14 for men. If your blood pressure is high, talk to your doctor about how to reduce your alcohol consumption.
    8. Talk to your doctor about home blood pressure monitoring.

    For more information on blood pressure please read our brochure Get Your Blood Pressure Under Control.

    Posted May 1, 2008.