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Illustrated by Echo Medical Media
Cause: Obesity, diabetes, smoking, and genetic factors may contribute to an increase in blood pressure (the force exerted on your blood vessel walls as blood flows through them). Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
Prevention: Don’t smoke and if you have diabetes, make every effort to keep it under control. Focus on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables while reducing your sodium intake and alcohol consumption.
If untreated: Your heart pumps against the higher level of pressure, causing it to weaken, potentially leading to a heart attack and/or stroke.
Remedies: Reduce salt intake, control weight, stop smoking, exercise most days of the week for 30 minutes, and meditate. If those measures don’t work, talk with your doctor about prescription medication.
Cutting edge: New devices that monitor blood pressure are now being developed. They activate the body’s natural responses to rising pressure.
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