National High Blood Pressure Education Month

Nearly 1 in 2 adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension. This National High Blood Pressure Education Month, take control of your heart health by getting your blood pressure checked and learning about the causes to help prevent high blood pressure.

Regular blood pressure is usually 120/80 mmHg. When measuring the blood pressure of an individual who experiences hypertension, their blood pressure may be as high as 140/90, and in very extreme cases, it can even be 180/120. So, what causes high blood pressure? It can be caused by multiple risk factors such as stress, diet, lack of a good night’s sleep, and genes can play some role as well! Sometimes, even with the right diet and regular physical activity, you can still have high blood pressure. Other conditions such as diabetes can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Here are three true or false questions to test your knowledge regarding high blood pressure:

• True or false? Only the elderly can have high blood pressure.
  • False. People of any age can experience high blood pressure.
• True or false? If I maintain my healthy diet and exercise, there’s NO way I can get hypertension.
  • False. Sometimes individuals may do everything in their power to maintain a healthy lifestyle and can still experience health issues such as high pressure due to preexisting conditions such as diabetes or due to genetics.
• True or false? Signs of blood pressure are obvious.
  • False. High blood pressure has no signs or symptoms. An individual can live an average life and never know they have high blood pressure until they check.

Have additional questions about high blood pressure and its possible risks? Click here to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a UCR Health Physician or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.