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Show .April 29, 1988 Hilltop Times DC KM by Evelyn D. Harris American Forces Information Service High blood pressure Once you start taking drugs for hypertension, the treatment must continue for life. It's dangerous for a patient to stop taking his medicine because he can mean hypertension trouble. It's linked to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other conditions. May is National High Blood Pressure Month-v- ery important to an organization that must rely on good health. Department of Defense's Health Promotion Education and Training Subcommittee is emphasizing high blood pressure education this year. While the percentage of adults with the disease is steadily decreasing due in part to greater public awareness elevated blood pressure is still a public health problem for America and a readiness problem for the military. About 25 percent of adult Americans have high blood pressure. Black Americans have a slightly higher rate than whites about 30 percent. One out of two Americans has High blood pressure by the age of 60. Factors that increase the risk of hypertension include being male, obese or diabetic, smoking and taking birth control pills. A normal blood pressure reading for an adult is 120 over 80 millimeters of mercury. The first number is the systolic pressure the reading when the heart is working hardest, pumping blood out of the heart. The second reading, or diastolic pressure, is taken when the heart relaxes. According to Dr. Motilal Pamnani of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, a blood pressure reading that stays at a level of 140 over 90 normally indicates a person has hypertension. Once the lev6l reaches 150 over 95, the person has a definite hypertension problem and should be treated. However, blood pressure must be reduced gradually, said Dr. Pamnani, an associate professor of physiology. "If you bring down a person's blood pressure too quickly, you risk reducing the supply of blood to vital organs," he explained. In cases of mild hypertension, Dr. Pamnani thinks he is better and like the side effects. doesn't Dr. Motilal Pamnani Uniformed jjjj Services University of Health Sciences in sodium and low in potassium contributes to high blood pressure for people who are sensitive to salt. Although not everyone is sensitive to salt, most people take in far more of the product than they need, said Dr. Pamnani. "Cutting down can't hurt and will probably help," said the doctor. If you want to cut down on salt, Dr. Pamnani suggested doing so gradually start by cutting down on processed foods, which often are high in salt. prefers treating patients with changes in diet and Read labels sodium is hidden in many foods that lifestyle rather than giving them drugs. "Once you don't taste salty. Dr. Pamnani said potassium is also important. start taking drugs for hypertension," said the doccan get more potassium by eating citrus fruits, You life. It's tor, "the treatment must be continued for dangerous for a patient to stop taking his medicine bananas and beans. is Finally, being active important in keeping blood because he thinks he is better and doesn't like the side effects." pressure under control. "Being an active person an athlete," said a Although today's drugs are more sophisticated doesn't have to mean becoming health-carofficial. and have fewer side effects than earlier medicines, Department of Defense "The word we want to get out to both military they are not without risks, Dr. Pamnani said. . and civilian people is don't be a couch potato," the "Therefore, the treatment of choice is to lose weight, like taking get more exercise, stop smoking and eat less salt doctor said. "You can do simple things stairs instead of elevators, sometimes walking to see and more potassium." The lifestyle changes recommended for people colleagues instead of calling and parking a little farther away from your destination. In general, try to who already have high blood pressure may also keep healthy people from getting it. A diet that is high do everything with more vigor." e m m s m i imm - wwm Life is your most valuable possession. PASSITON. Of all the riches you could leave to your family, the most precious is the gift of life. Your bequest to the American Heart Association assures that priceless legacy by supporting research into heart disease prevention. ' To learn more about the Planned Giving Program, call us today. It's the first step in making a memory that lasts beyond a lifetime ugjgj $ pi $1299 ry -- yp n7 iJ Hgggfj - , 1,000 (jZlns0 i Fuller O Brien fashion Lggraagj :mui'.a Sale Prices April 27th thru May 7th colors at Fantastic Savings! 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