The Silent Killer

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

May is Blood Pressure Education and Stroke Awareness Month. What a great time to gain an understanding and take control of your blood pressure. By doing so, you can greatly reduce your risk of stroke and other heart-related diseases. Currently, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds! Seventy-seven percent of those people had high blood pressure before their stroke occurred and many did not even know it. For this reason, high blood pressure or hypertension is often coined the “silent killer.”

Blood pressure is defined as the force of blood inside the arteries when the heart is beating and when the heart is relaxing. Blood pressure is typically illustrated as two numbers. The top (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart is beating, and the bottom (diastolic) number represents the pressure while the heart is relaxing. High blood pressure results when the force of blood inside the arteries is elevated when the heart is beating, when the heart is relaxing, or both.

I advise my patients to strive to keep their blood pressure for systolic blood pressure less than 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure less than 80 mmHg. A reading less than 120/80 mmHg is considered normal and healthy. High blood pressure, on the other hand, is defined as a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or greater and a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. Systolic readings between 120-139 mmHg and diastolic readings between 80-89 mmHg are indicative of prehypertension, a precursor to hypertension.

Suzy, Total Rewards – Compensation Analyst at Corporate, recognizes the need for knowing and understanding your numbers. For nearly ten years, Suzy only visited with her OB/GYN and hematologist on an annual basis. During her annual appointment with her hematologist in early 2010 she realized her blood pressure seemed high. “When the assistant said ‘170/80,’ I asked her to repeat it to make sure she really meant 117/80,” says Suzy.  “Much to my dismay what I heard the first time was right. So I asked the doctor to check it again and it was 180/90 after resting!”

Her hematologist suggested she visit with her primary care physician for further analysis. Suzy did not have a primary doctor, but was quick to find one. “Sure enough, I was diagnosed with hypertension and placed on medicine,” adds Suzy. “I wasn’t completely shocked.  Although I have been active most of my life and eat relatively healthy, the odds are definitely against me because of my genes. Both of my parents are late-onset diabetics, have high blood pressure and my dad fell victim to stroke because of his pre-existing conditions.”

It has been just over a year since Suzy was placed on medication and she gladly reports that her blood pressure now averages 121/73. “I check my blood pressure weekly at the blood pressure kiosk and log it into my wellness journal.” In addition, her dosage has been decreased by half. By sticking with a strict exercise regime, drinking more water, increasing her intake of fruits and vegetables and eliminating fried foods, Suzy hopes that when she returns in the fall for her preventive exam, the good news will keep coming.

Like Suzy, you can also improve your blood pressure and decrease your risk of hypertension by: 

• Eating properly – a diet low in fat and sodium and high in fruit and vegetables
• Exercising regularly – at least 30 minutes a day
• Lowering alcohol intake
• Quitting smoking
• Knowing your blood pressure and having it checked regularly

Taking action and early detection can often prevent prehypertension from developing into high blood pressure. Be sure to visit with your primary care physician to discuss a plan that is best for you. Remember, State Farm’s Group Medical plan offers valuable Preventive Care Benefits with no out-of-pocket expense to you.

The time is now. Check it. Know it. Take control. It’s your health!

Additional Resources

Visit the American Heart Association for more tools and resources regarding high blood pressure.

Understand your risk, the different types and effects of stroke from the American Stroke Association.

Learn how to eat for a healthy heart, checking out the American Dietetic Association’s Eat Right Web site.