Ask the Expert

Answer:

Sustained high blood pressure, also known as hypertension is a condition in which the force of blood pumping against blood vessels is abnormally high on a regular basis. The force of increased blood pressure over time causes the heart to overwork, and it can become weak. Increased pressure of blood pumping against the artery causes the vessels to become stretched and scarred, increasing the likelihood that arteries will become clogged. Blocked arteries reduce the flow of blood to eyes, kidneys, brain and heart, which could result in a heart attack or stroke. Hypertension is known as a “silent” disease because many people have no symptoms until permanent damage has occurred to vital organs.

There are other factors (some can be controlled through lifestyle measures and some cannot) that lead to hypertension, and those should be discussed with your doctor. Most importantly though, adults with SB should have their blood pressure checked regularly. One out of 3 adults has hypertension which can lead to heart disease, but many of them don’t know they have it. This includes adults with SB.

People with SB have increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease because they often are overweight, have limited mobility which decreases the ability to exercise, and retain too much fluid in their bodies, leading to swelling (edema) that raises blood pressure. This is worsened by eating packaged, processed or “fast” foods that contain high levels of sodium.

Cholesterol and triglycerides are also associated with heart disease and should also be monitored through simple blood test. Cholesterol and triglycerides are fats (lipids) found in meat and dairy products that circulate in the blood. High triglycerides and cholesterol can usually be managed through diet, exercise, or medication. LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, is associated with a high fat diet. High HDL, the “good” cholesterol, is linked to exercise and helps remove the bad fat from the blood. Find out what your levels are and do your part to reduce your risk of heart disease.