Did you know that nearly a third of the American population has high blood pressure? With such a high rate of incidence, it pays to know about the condition. So what's your Blood Pressure IQ? Take this quiz to find out.
Which of the following is the most desirable blood pressure reading?
Lower than 120/80 is the most desirable reading in this list.
A reading of 120-139/80-89 is considered prehypertension.
A systolic blood pressure of 140 or higher or diastolic pressure of 90 or higher is considered high and should be evaluated by a physician immediately. If your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, you're at high risk for stroke, heart attack and other complications from high blood pressure.
The main cause of high blood pressure is?
The main cause of high blood pressure is unknown. In fact, you can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it.
You can take steps to control your blood pressure, though. These steps include eating a low-sodium and low-saturated fat diet, getting 30-60 minutes of physical activity on most days, and limiting your alcohol intake.
If lifestyle changes don't get your blood pressure down to a normal level, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Which of the following groups has the highest rate of high blood pressure?
African Americans.
The rate of high blood pressure in African Americans in the United States is among the highest in the world. High blood pressure tends to be more common, happens at an earlier age, and is more severe for many African Americans. Consequently, they have a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney complications from high blood pressure.
A person with high blood pressure:
Has high risk of stroke and heart attack.
High blood pressure is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke, the third-leading cause of death and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability in the United States. High blood pressure is also a key risk factor for heart attack.
High blood pressure medication is usually prescribed to be taken:
As a lifelong way to manage high blood pressure.
Blood pressure medication is a way to manage high blood pressure and is taken every day -- not just under certain conditions. High blood pressure is a lifelong disease. It can be controlled, but not cured.
Which of the following is more likely to contribute to your high blood pressure?
Salt/sodium intake.
Some people are "salt sensitive," so eating a lot of salt (sodium) adds to their high blood pressure. Salt holds excess fluid in your body, and puts an added burden on your heart.
Other than high blood pressure, major risk factors for heart disease and stroke include:
All of the above.
You can also include lack of physical activity, diabetes and increasing age. Risk factors for heart disease and stroke amplify one another. The more risk factors you have, the higher your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Which of the following may be dangerous for people with high blood pressure?
Cold and flu medicines.
Certain decongestants have been reported to increase blood pressure and interfere with blood pressure medications. If you're one of the 73 million American adults who has high blood pressure, make sure to talk to your doctor about which cold and flu medications are safe for you to take.
If you or a close blood relative has high blood pressure, you have a higher risk of stroke. Do you know which of these is a stroke warning sign?
These are all warning signs of a stroke, and are not to be taken lightly. Stroke and heart attack are life-and-death emergencies -- every second counts.
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