ARIZONA NEWS

Many may be unknowingly affected by top health risk

Dec 17, 2012, 7:02 AM | Updated: Jul 22, 2024, 12:49 pm

...

With recently published research reporting that high blood pressure is the leading health risk worldwide, a massive number of individuals may be experiencing internal damage without even knowing it.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is dangerous because it can damage your heart, kidney and blood vessels, according to Scottsdale Healthcare cardiologist Dr. Robert Burke, who noted such damage paves the way for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other health issues.

“There are typically no symptoms with high blood pressure, so this damage can happen without you knowing,” he said.

Given the silent nature of hypertension, experts encourage individuals to know their blood pressure numbers and have their blood pressure taken regularly. This is especially important if you have a family history of high blood pressure, have diabetes, are obese or smoke, all which are risk factors for high blood pressure.

When blood pressure is taken, the reading indicates how much force is placed against the walls of your arteries as blood flows through your system. Ongoing readings of 140/90 or higher for adults are considered to be high blood pressure and mean the blood is pushing too hard.

“When you stop and consider some of the risk factors, it’s easy to understand why adopting a healthy lifestyle is so important,” said Burke.

He recommends a low-fat diet with plenty of vegetables, quitting smoking, getting exercise, controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes, limiting alcohol and managing stress to help control hypertension. A variety of medications also are available and can play a role in treating high blood pressure.

The research, which examined life expectancy and health risks globally, was published online Nov. 13 by the journal Lancet.

With recent research highlighting high blood pressure as the leading health risk worldwide, it’s crucial to adopt lifestyle changes that can mitigate this silent threat. For those facing the stress of preparing for important exams, managing stress is particularly essential. The article “saiba como fugir da tensão pré-vestibular” offers valuable tips on reducing stress, which can be beneficial not only for academic success but also for maintaining overall health.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

One man has died and another is in critical condition after a shooting in west Phoenix on Tuesday, ...

Bailey Leasure

1 dead, 1 hospitalized after west Phoenix shooting

One man has died and another is in critical condition after a shooting in west Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

55 minutes ago

Health care for prisoners in Arizona...

Associated Press

Lawyers for inmates ask judge to take over health care services in Arizona prisons

Lawyers for 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona have asked a judge to take over health care operations in state-run prisons and appoint an official to run them, saying the state is not capable of fixing deep failures in care even though it has been required to do so over the last decade.

2 hours ago

Vehicle into a tanker...

KTAR.com

Man drove car into tanker in Glendale hoping it would blow up, police say

A man who wanted to kill himself drove his vehicle into a tanker in Glendale thinking it would blow up on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

3 hours ago

A bicyclist was killed in a collision with a driver suspected of impairment in Phoenix....

Kevin Stone

Bicyclist killed in crash involving driver suspected of impairment in Phoenix

A bicyclist was killed in a collision involving a driver suspected of impairment in Phoenix on Tuesday night, authorities said.

5 hours ago

Six headline acts will perform at the 2025 Chandler Ostrich Festival....

Payne Moses

Concert lineup finalized for 2025 Chandler Ostrich Festival

The sixth and final headline act for the 2025 Chandler Ostrich Festival concert series has been revealed.

6 hours ago

...

Sponsored Content by Bright Wealth Management

How updating your estate plan is crucial in saving money

As you map out your estate plan, mapping out beneficiaries and keeping it up to date is key in order for the most funds possible to be passed down with ease.

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

Many may be unknowingly affected by top health risk