Healthy Blood Pressure, Healthy Heart Beat, Op-ed

NOTE: The following is an op-ed piece from Neala Gill, manager, Cardiovascular Health Nova Scotia, Peggy Dunbar, manager, Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia and Susan MacNeil, manager, Nova Scotia Renal Program.

It is quicker than waiting in line for your morning cup of coffee, easier than learning how to ride a bike, and it could save your life.

Having your blood pressure checked regularly is the first step to maintain a healthy blood pressure and healthy heart beat.

In Nova Scotia, almost one-third of adults have hypertension or high blood pressure, and we know that as we age, our risk increases. For women, this risk is slightly higher. And people with diabetes have a 70 per cent chance of developing high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a serious medical condition that can damage arteries, weaken organs and cause heart and kidney disease or stroke.

High blood pressure can also cause an abnormal fast and irregular heart beat. This can happen with no symptoms, but a doctor can detect and treat it.

Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent or reduce high blood pressure. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating more fruit and vegetables, avoiding processed and pre-package foods, being active, limiting alcohol intake and stopping smoking can all maintain a healthy blood pressure and healthy heart beat.

On Friday, May 17, World Hypertension Day, we encourage all Nova Scotians to have their blood pressure checked. To learn more about blood pressure and how to use the provincial My Blood Pressure Card tools visit www.gov.ns.ca/bloodpressure/card.asp or consult your family doctor.