May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. About 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure (the force of blood pushing against your artery walls as the heart pumps out blood). It silently damages the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. If you don’t get it checked regularly, it won’t be picked up.
Adult Blood Pressure Guidelines from National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Normal: less than 120/80; Pre-hypertension: 120-139/80-89; Stage 1 High blood pressure: 140-159/90-99; Stage 2 High blood pressure: 160 or more/100 or more.
Increased risk for high blood pressure: * older age: men >45 and women >55 *African-American or Hispanic * overweight or obesity *not enough physical activity
Unhealthy lifestyle habits for high blood pressure: *too much sodium or salt *too much alcohol * too little potassium * smoking *
Great information and recipes for high blood pressure prevention: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute at www.nhlb.gov or The American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.
This yummy turkey breast meatloaf is made with sauteed fresh vegetables, egg whites, and bread crumbs – no salt or high sodium condiments – just a touch of catsup.
