High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Nearly 17% of women in their 20s and 30s have high blood pressure. You don't have to be one of them. Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

High blood pressure can go undetected for a long time while it's damaging your body. Put yourself first. Pay attention to possible warning signs. Possible warning signs for high blood pressure: Tiredness, loss of energy, sleep disturbances. Hot flashes and sweating. Fluid retention. Headaches. Blurred vision. Chest pain--some women report their bra feels too tight. Get your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Being heart healthy is easier - together! #ourhearts

Nearly 58% of Black women over age 20 have high blood pressure--that's higher than any other ethnic or racial group. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Asian women with high blood pressure are less likely than other women to have it under control. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

More than 40% of Hispanic/Latino women have high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

La Heart Truth Para las Mujeres. Más del 40% de las mujeres hispanas/latinas tienen presión arterial alta. Hágase medir su presión arterial al menos una vez al año.
 

Before: Avoid exercising, drinking caffeine, or smoking for 30 minutes prior. Go to the bathroom. Uncover your arm for the cuff. Sit and relax for at least 5 minutes.

During: Put your feet flat on the floor. Don't talk. Rest your arm on a table so it's supported and at the level of your heart.

Blood pressure higher than 130/80 mmHg can cause serious health problems: Heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, dementia
Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Age: blood pressure tends to get higher as we get older. But it can affect many of us when we're younger too.

Lifestyle habits: eating too much salt, drinking too much alcohol, being obese, smoking, and not getting enough exercise can raise our blood pressure.

Race or ethnicity: While anyone can have high blood pressure, African Americans tend to get it at a younger age. Among Hispanic adults, people of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican backgrounds are at higher risk.

Genes: High blood pressure often runs in families.

Sex: Before age 60, more men than women have high blood pressure. After age 60, more women than men have it.

1) Set Targets: Work with your doctor to set blood pressure numbers that are healthy for you.

2) Take Control: Make lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, staying active, and watching your weight.

3) Work Together: Studies show that if you engage in heart healthy activities with others, you have a better chance of staying motivated.

Why should I change? Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart risks. If it goes on for a long time, it can make your body store more fat. How can I change? Practice mindful meditation for 10 minutes a day. Share a funny video, joke, or inspirational quote with a friend. Talk with your doctor if you have trouble managing stress on your own.

What should I change? A diet low in sodium and saturated fat - like the DASH eating plan - can lower your blood pressure as effectively as medicines. How can I change? Add one fruit of vegetable to every meal. If you get fast food, ask for a salad instead of fries. Give meatless Monday a try. Commit to one salt-free day a week. Use herbs for flavor instead.

1) Assess where you are now.

2) Discuss medication with your doctor.

3) Make DASH a part of a healthy lifestyle.

4) Adapt DASH for everyone in the family.

5) Judge success across several days, not just one.

1) Ask yourself why you off track.

2) Don't worry about a slip.

3) See if you tried to change too much at once.

4) Break the process down into small steps.

5) Write down goals and track progress.

6) Celebrate success!

1) Reduce meat and increase fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and cooked dry beans.

2) Snack on fruits and vegetables instead of sweets or chips.

3) Choose water or seltzer water instead of soda or juice.

4) Use herbs instead of extra condiments.

5) Keep a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter.

1) set a schedule

2) Build activities into your day

3) Move for a short time a few times a day

4) Ask a friend of family member to join

5) Do what you love

Potassium is a vital mineral that keeps your body functioning properly and keeps blood pressure levels healthy

A serving size is the amount that people typically eat or drink. All of the information on the label, including the number of calories, is for one serving. A serving size is not recommendation for how much you should eat or drink.

Calories are the measurement for how much energy your body gets from each serving. Nutrition labels are based on a daily diet of 2,000 calories, but you may need more or less depending on factors such as age and physical activity level. The number of servings you consume determines the number of calories you eat. For example, eating two servings of this product would be 560 calories.

The label shows key nutrients that are in foods and drinks. Choose foods with more dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. Choose foods with less sugars, saturated fat, and added sugars.

This compares how much of a nutrient is in one serving of food to how much of that nutrient you need or should not exceed in a day. This is based on a daily diet of 2,000 calories.