"Make sure you are aware of your blood pressure, complete lipid profile, LDL cholesterol, and optimum weight."
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Dr. Narayana Rao Parasu, is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and is the Medical Director of the In-Patient Rehabilitation Unit at Mecosta County General Hospital.
His office is located at Mecosta Health Services in Big Rapids.
Call (231) 796-3200.
Research from American Stroke and Heart Association. |
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High Blood Pressure — Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
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Connie Bentley, Stroke Survivor from Lake Oswego, Oregon |
As a strength and conditioning coach for athletes, I thought I was an unlikely candidate for stroke. I ran and lifted weights three times a week. My heart was fine, my cholesterol good. I felt great, but my blood pressure was high. I had know that for eight years, but the medication made me tired, and being a type A
personality, I had no time for that. My blood pressure rose when I lifted weights, but it always went down afterwards, so I thought I was fine. At the gym one day, I held my breath as I lifted the weight. A cerebral vessel blew out and caused a bleed. It affected my left side, and I had difficulty walking.
Suddenly I was a type A personality with a type B body. Although I needed to slow down, I never felt sorry for myself. I knew I could retrain my body. I tried low-key exercises like tai chi and swimming, but got bored. I joined a fitness club to socialize. Recently, my cardiologist said I could do more strenuous exercise, so I started a hiking group. I still have a type A personality,
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but if my high blood pressure medication makes me tired, so be it. I never forget to take those pills. I don't want another stroke.
Before my stroke, I thought I was in great health. However, my doctor told me, "You were sick because of your high blood pressure." Even if you feel good, your body can deceive you. That's why it's so important to consult with your doctors and heed what they say. I don't mind the extra effort it takes to manage my high blood pressure because I'm reaching my goal - better health and greater risk reduction.
High Blood Pressure:
According to recent estimates, nearly one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, nearly one-third of these people don't know they have it. In fact, many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure.
This is why high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer." The only way to tell if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked.
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Get the facts on high blood pressure and how to live a heart-healthier life. Find out how you can reduce your risks for heart attack and stroke with proper monitoring by a healthcare provider and simple lifestyle changes, even if you have high blood pressure.
Most Desirable Blood Pressure Reading:
Lower than 120/80 mm Hg. The American Heart Association recommends this as optimal.
120-139/80-89 is considered pre-hypertension.
Blood pressure of 140 or higher for systolic or 90 or higher for diastolic is considered high and should be evaluated by a physician immediately. If your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, you're at high risk for stroke, heart attack and other complications from high blood pressure.
Your health is your responsibility, so make sure you are aware of your numbers (blood pressure, complete lipid profile, LDL cholesterol, and optimum weight).
Know your warning signs and risk factors. For more information, talk to your healthcare provider. Caring for your family is what we're all about at Mecosta Health Services.
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