Blood Pressure & Heart Health

Richland Public Health is asking residents to watch their blood pressure as a way of tracking their heart health. Here are a list of questions and answers about why you should keep track of your blood pressure

Am I at risk for heart disease?

  • Excessive Weight
  • A family history of high blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Inactivity
  • High salt and fat intake
  • Low intake of potassium (found in fresh fruits and vegetables)
  • Smoking
  • Increased age

Prevent heart disease and stroke.

GET UP and GET ACTIVE by exercising for 30 minutes several days a week.
KNOW your ABCS: 
  • Appropriate Aspirin Therapy
  • Blood Pressure Control
  • Cholesterol Management
  • Smoking Cessation
STAY STRONG by eating a heart-healthy diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol.
TAKE CONTROL of your heart health by following your doctor’s instructions for medications, treatment and blood pressure monitoring.

High blood pressure can put you at risk for

  • Stroke
  • Heart Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Blindness
  • Dementia
  • Erectile Dysfunction

What should my blood pressure be?

Normal: <120/80 mmHg (less than 120/80)
Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89 mmHg
High: >140/90 mmHg (greater than 140/90)

High blood pressure can put you at risk for

  • Stroke
  • Heart Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Blindness
  • Dementia
  • Erectile Dysfunction

What can you do?

  • Have my blood pressure checked regularly.
  • Have my cholesterol levels checked as recommended by my doctor.
  • Make a list of physical activities that I like.
  • Talk to my doctor about a realistic plan for getting physical activity.
  • If I’m overweight, talk to my doctor about setting a weight goal and a realistic plan to lose weight.
  • Learn to read food labels so I can choose food with less fat and salt in them.
  • Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables.
  • Keep my loved ones informed of my goals and progress.
  • Take the salt shaker off the dinner table.
  • Skip salt-based seasonings like garlic salt while cooking.
  • Drink no more than 2 alcoholic drinks each day.
  • Ask my family and friends for support.
  • If I smoke, learn about programs to quit.
  • If I smoke, take the necessary steps to quit.
  • If I smoke, ask family and friends for support
  • If I smoke, I will keep trying until I quit for good.
  • I will have my blood pressure and cholesterol checked and follow my doctor’s orders to treat or prevent high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

For more information check this website: health.gov/heart health

Questions or Comments

We'd love to hear from you. Contact us or take our survey to speak to one of our public health professionals or share your experience with our services. We value your feedback!

Language