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WiRED International Observes National High Blood Pressure Month and American Stroke Awareness Month

BY ALLISON KOZICHAROW AND BERNICE BORN

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o you know the range for healthy blood pressure? Do you know the signs of stroke? The month of May is a good time to refresh your knowledge about these conditions, because this is National High Blood Pressure Month and American Stroke Awareness Month.

 

The World Health Organization estimates that 40% of adults ages 25 and older suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the artery as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can lead to other health problems such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, kidney failure and stroke.

 

WiRED International’s High Blood Pressure module defines the condition, its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and consequences. High blood pressure often presents no symptoms, so it is important to know your blood pressure numbers and get regular checkups with a health care professional.

 

The World Stroke Organization reports that 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year. A stroke occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood is blocked. Without oxygen, brain cells start to die within minutes. WiRED offers a three-part series on stroke, which covers general information, signs, symptoms, complications and risk factors.

 

During these May observances WiRED urges you to learn about reducing high blood pressure and lowering the risk of stroke. In these training modules, you’ll learn about the importance of maintaining a low-salt diet and healthy weight, exercising, avoiding too much alcohol, quitting smoking, receiving ongoing medical care and managing and coping with stress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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