This week is Heart Week

Heart health is the focus of the Heart Foundation’s Heart Week 2017 (30 April to 6 May). The theme this year is the importance of diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, as it is well recognised that high blood pressure equates with a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure of the blood in the artery as it pushes against the artery walls with each pump of the heart. Blood pressure that is consistently high is a major contributor to the risk of developing heart disease.

Factors that contribute to high blood pressure include family history, sedentary lifestyle, stress, obesity, unhealthy eating patterns, and alcohol consumption. High blood pressure is usually controlled with prescribed drugs; however, healthy eating, regular exercise, and maintaining healthy weight can also help manage high blood pressure.

There are usually no warning signs that you have high blood pressure, so you may have it and not know. The best way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked by your doctor or health practitioner. You may get your own blood pressure monitor; however, it is important to learn how to use the device properly to get accurate readings. Using a blood pressure monitor at home may help in the management of high blood pressure.

The Heart Foundation have a range of great resources on their website to get you healthy and active this Heart Week.