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Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
High blood pressure (sometimes called hypertension) is very common and doesn’t always have obvious symptoms.
Knowing you have high blood pressure and making small lifestyle changes can help prevent life-threatening complications like heart attack and stroke. This is why regular blood pressure testing for anyone age 40 and over is so important.
When you have your blood pressure measured, the reading is written as two numbers:
- The first number is called systolic and measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
- The second number is called diastolic and measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading would be 120/80 or lower.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that helps your body make cell membranes, many hormones, and vitamin D.
The cholesterol in your blood comes from two sources: the foods you eat and your liver. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs.
High levels of cholesterol are mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. It can also run in families.
You can lower your cholesterol by eating healthily and getting more exercise. Some people also need to take medicine.
Watch this short video (translated versions below) about managing your cholesterol levels.
