Lakewood, NJ - Millions of American adults
have high blood pressure and do not even know it. If
you have been told that you have high blood pressure,
but just aren’t sure what it means to you and
your health, this is the ideal month to educate yourself
about high blood pressure.
Joan Choper, MD, an internist on staff at Kimball Medical
Center in Lakewood, said “Understanding what blood
pressure is, what your numbers mean and what they
stand for is essential to improving and maintaining your
overall health and well being.”
In a healthy person the blood pressure is at an adequate
level to keep the blood flowing to organs and cells within
the body without putting strain on blood vessel walls. In
someone with high blood pressure, there is increased tension
on the blood vessel walls which can cause damage, Dr. Choper
said.
Blood pressure results from two forces – the force
in the arteries when the heart beats and when the heart is
at rest. “These forces are measured in millimeters
of mercury and are referred to as systolic and diastolic
pressure, respectively.” Dr. Choper said.
Normal blood pressure in a healthy adult is less than 120
systolic and less than 80 diastolic. According to the
American Heart Association, high blood pressure – also
known as hypertension – is defined in an adult as a
blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 (systolic) or
greater than or equal to 90 (diastolic) pressure.
Prolonged high blood pressure can lead to heart attack,
stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and even blindness. Because
high blood pressure commonly has no symptoms, Dr. Choper
said the only way to keep blood pressure in check is to have
it monitored regularly.
There are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure,
some of which are controllable and others which aren’t. According
to Dr. Choper, obesity, an inactive lifestyle, a high
sodium diet, excessive alcohol intake and stress are all
controllable factors that play a role in high blood pressure.
Age, heredity and race also contribute to high
blood pressure Dr. Choper said. “These are all
the more reasons to have blood pressure checked regularly.”
Dr. Choper explained that treatment options for high blood
pressure range from simple lifestyle changes such as exercise
and a healthy diet, to medication to keep blood pressure
under control.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joan Choper at her new
practice “Blue Sky Medical,” located on Lacey
Road in Whiting, or another internist on staff at Kimball
Medical Center, please call the Saint Barnabas Health Care
Link at 1-888-SBHS-123
(888-724-7123).
Date: May 13, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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