Risk Factors
What is one thing that can increase your risk of high blood pressure?
family history
high-sodium diet
lack of physical activity
smoking
What is one simple lifestyle change someone can make to help lower their blood pressure?
What are the two numbers called that make up a blood pressure reading ?
Systolic
Diastolic
Is high blood pressure known for having many obvious symptoms, or few ?
Few - known as the "silent killer"
What kind of diet, in general terms, can help prevent high blood pressure?
Besides family history, name two lifestyle habits that can contribute to high blood pressure.
Lack of physical activity
smoking
How does reducing sodium intake specifically help to lower blood pressure?
Sodium makes your body hold onto more water, increasing blood volume and putting extra pressure on your blood vessels
What does the top number in a blood pressure reading, the systolic number, measure?
The force of your blood pushing against your artery walls when your heart beats
While often silent, what is one possible symptom someone might experience if their blood pressure is very high?
Headache
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Why is it important to maintain a healthy weight when trying to prevent high blood pressure ?
excess weight puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels
Release of stress hormones trigger the body's "fight-or-flight" response, leading to higher blood pressure.
Explain how regular exercise directly benefits blood vessel health.
They grow more blood vessels by expanding the network of capillaries.
What range of systolic/diastolic values indicates hypertension?
above 130/80
Name one potential complication of untreated high blood pressure.
What role does potassium play in helping to regulate blood pressure?
relaxing blood vessel walls thus contributing to lower blood pressure