Take Action Against High Blood Pressure AMES, Iowa — Lifestyle
changes, like eating a low-sodium diet and being physically
active, can help reduce high blood pressure, also known as
hypertension, or maintain blood pressure at a healthy level.
February is National Heart Month and a good time to take action
against this risk factor for heart attack and stroke, said Sarah
Francis, an Iowa State University assistant professor and ISU
Extension and Outreach nutrition specialist. “It is estimated
that one in three U.S. adults, or 68 million people, have high
blood pressure. Unfortunately more than half of adults with high
blood pressure do not have it under control,” Francis said.
“When you get your blood pressure checked, it’s measured as
systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. The ‘normal’ or
recommended level is less than 120 over less than 80,” Francis
said. “You begin to be at risk for high blood pressure, or pre-
hypertension, when your level is 120 to 139 over 80 to 89. You
have high blood pressure if your