Consumer Health Alert:

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, continues to be a major health problem in the United States. A new study released by the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that nearly one in three Americans (65 million people) are affected—a 30 percent increase over the past 10 years.

The New Guidelines
Table 1. Classification of Blood Pressure
Classification	Systolic (top number)		Diastolic (bottom number)
Normal	< 120	and	<80
Prehypertension	120-139	or	80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension	140-159	or	90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension	<160	or	> 100

The AHA study follows on the heels of new blood pressure guidelines announced by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutes (NHLBI) (see Table 1). Under the new guidelines, nearly one in four adults (22%) who once thought they had normal blood pressure levels are now considered "prehypertensive." The revisions were necessary because of research indicating that 9 out of 10 individuals age 55 and older who don't already have high blood pressure will develop the condition later. Furthermore, arterial damage has been found in individuals whose blood pressure would have been considered "normal" under the previous guidelines.

Facts About High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure is the No. 1 controllable risk factor
for stroke.

• About 10 million Americans are disabled as a result of
heart disease and stroke.

• There usually aren't symptoms for high blood pressure;
you have to get it checked.

• The cause of 90-95% of cases of high blood pressure
isn't known.

• From 1991 to 2001, the death rate from high blood
pressure increased 36.4%, but the actual number of
deaths rose 53.0%.

Source: American Heart Association

The "Silent Killer"

Hypertension is a major risk factor for a host of serious conditions, including congestive heart failure, heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, brain damage, vision loss, and kidney damage. Left untreated, it can be deadly. The

risk of death due to heart attack and stroke increases rapidly with rising blood pressure levels, starting at levels as low as 115/75 mm Hg. For every 20/10 mm Hg rise in blood pressure above this level, the risk of death from heart problems doubles.

Ironically, many people who have high blood pressure don't know they have it because they generally experience no symptoms. So the best protection is early detection.

Blood Pressure Management__________

Fortunately, hypertension is easily diagnosed and can be controlled effectively through a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, medication, and other therapies. Prescription medication is generally required for people with systolic pressure above 160 mm Hg or diastolic pressure above 100 mm Hg. Dietary supplements have also been shown to support healthy vascular function. In fact, recent research indicates that bonito fish peptides may provide effective, natural blood pressure support for prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension.

Rising Blood Pressure
		D	Both sexes
1	1

		■	Males
		H	Females
0 10 20 30 % of American Adults with High Blood Pressure Source: Hypertension lournal

Adopting a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle and Diet

The following heart-healthy lifestyle and dietary changes have been shown to benefit individuals who need blood pressure support:

• Increase aerobic activity, potassium intake from fresh
fruits and vegetables, and intake of calcium,
magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

• Limit alcohol consumption and sodium intake.

• Reduce intake of caffeine and saturated and trans fats.

• Reduce stress.

• Stop smoking.

It only takes a minute for your healthcare practitioner to tell you whether or not you have high blood pressure. Now is the time to ask how you can maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.