- Health & Wellness
Understanding High Blood Pressure
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (BP), or hypertension, happens when the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels is consistently too high. Think of your blood vessels as garden hoses—if the water is flowing too fast and too hard, it can cause damage over time. Similarly, high blood pressure can harm your body if left untreated.
Why Should You Care About High Blood Pressure?
It’s important to understand the risks of high BP, as it’s a very common chronic condition that affects nearly half of U.S. adults. If not controlled, it can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage and eye problems. Fortunately, with the right care it can be effectively managed.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Many factors can contribute to high BP, including:
- High Salt Intake: Eating too much salt can make your body retain water, which increases blood pressure.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps maintain normal blood pressure levels.
- Excess Weight: Carrying extra body weight puts more strain on your heart, raising blood pressure.
- Stress: High stress levels can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure.
- Family History: If high blood pressure runs in your family, your risk may be higher.
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Readings:
When you have high BP it’s important you monitor your BP closely. To do so, you will need to either visit your Primary Care Provider (PCP) often or get a blood pressure monitor to use at home. You’ll also want to learn how to read your numbers. The chart below shows blood pressure ranges.
Note: Only a doctor or other medical professional can confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis. They also can check if your blood pressure is too low.
How Can You Manage Your Blood Pressure?
A healthy lifestyle can help you manage high blood pressure, improve your immune system, boost energy levels and lower stress. Here are 3 free and low-cost ways to manage and prevent high blood pressure using your healthcare coverage:
1. Lifestyle Adjustments: Increase physical activity, eat healthfully and reduce stress with wellness coaching, mental health support and more.
2. Visit Your PCP: Schedule regular check-ups with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to monitor your blood pressure. PCP visits have a $0 co-pay.
3. Medication: If prescribed, affordable medication can help manage high blood pressure effectively.
In addition to lifestyle adjustments, your PCP can create a treatment plan for high blood pressure. If you’re on SEIU 775 Benefits Group’s healthcare coverage, PCP visits are $0, and medication is $0 for in-network supplies and preferred generic brand. Learn more.
Additional Resources:
Taking care of your own health is important, especially when you’re responsible for caring for others. Caregivers can get access to high-quality, affordable care on the SEIU 775 Benefits Group health plan, as well as other bonus benefits to improve your wellbeing:
