High Blood Pressure: Are You at Risk?

Hypertension is the silent killer. If you don't screen your blood pressure, you won't know if you're at risk of kidney failure, stroke and heart attack. Find out if you're at risk for high blood pressure in this WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, FACC, Cone Health cardiologist and Clinical Integration Officer for Cone Health Center for Health Equity.

What are risk factors for high blood pressure?

• Age. As we age, our blood vessels stiffen.
• Minority Status. Black community members face higher disparities in preventative health care.
• Gender. More women over age 65 will develop high blood pressure than men. Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia can also occur during pregnancy.
• Family History. Those with parents or siblings who have had high blood pressure are at higher risk.
• High sodium diet. The more salt we take in, the higher the fluid volume in our blood vessels.
• Sedentary Lifestyle. Lack of exercise and weight gain can overwork your heart and cause artery hardening and plaque buildup.
• Smoking. Nicotine increases hormones that cause blood vessels to contract.
• Drinking alcohol. Like smoking, this causes vasoconstriction.

How often should you get checked?

Those without increased risk should get their blood pressure checked during their annual wellness exam. If you are in a higher risk category, check your blood pressure three times a year. The closer to 120/80 the better.

Building A Better You

For the second year, the Cone Health Center for Health Equity is offering a free health and wellness community event Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at NC A&T State University's Corbett Sports Center, 405 N Benbow Rd, Greensboro, NC 27411.

Health Screening Services offered:

• Blood pressure screening
• Diabetes screening
• Cholesterol screening
• Breast Cancer screening

as well as support with transportation, nutrition, employment, family resources, mental health, prescription needs and more. Register here.

What if I am diagnosed with high blood pressure?

If during your screening, your blood pressure is outside the range of 130/80, Cone Health team members will connect you with a primary care provider if you don't already have one.

Don't put off care: conehealth.com/heart.