Heart Health Month

How to Measure Blood Pressure

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.
Check out our monthly topics page for more information on how you and your families can make healthy heart choices.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Chose a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

• Engage in regular moderate aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week or more vigorous workouts at least 20 minutes three times a week.
• Adopt a diet low in salt, saturated and transfats and high in unsaturated fats (fish, avocado, etc.) like the Mediterranean Diet.
• Maintain a normal body weight with caloric adjustments.

Resources

Food and Your Health: Blood Pressure

• Check Your Blood Pressure (PDF)
• Dash Eating Plan (PDF)
• Impact of Non-pharmacological Interventions (PDF)
• Know Your Numbers (PDF)
• Wellness Centers (PDF)
• Blood Pressure Categories (PDF)
• What You Can Do To Lower Your Blood Pressure (PDF)