Monitoring blood pressure early key


DALLAS, Sep 15, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Knowing your blood pressure and your
family's health history are key to getting a handle on high blood pressure, a
U.S researcher says.

Blacks are more prone to early onset of high blood pressure, Dr. Shawna Nesbitt,
associate professor of internal medicine and a hypertension specialist at
University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, said in a statement.

"While there is no single reason, there are ways to combat it," Nesbitt said.
"Getting regular checkups and knowing your blood pressure is extremely
important."

Nesbitt says knowing whether or not you have other risk factors for hypertension
is important in assessing risk.

"Other health problems like heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and high
cholesterol may highlight the need for earlier treatment of high blood
pressure."

The earlier in life a person begins treating blood pressure, the healthier the
person will be, Nesbitt says.

Those with risk factors for high blood pressure should aim to keep body weight
in the normal range, lose weight if needed, maintain a low salt/high fiber diet
and exercise regularly -- about 30 minutes at least four days each week, Nesbitt
explains.



URL: www.upi.com


Copyright 2009 by United Press International

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