Facts on High Blood
Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) killed 42,997 Americans in 1999
and contributed to the deaths of another 227,000. Because the consequences
associated with high blood pressure are so serious, early detection,
treatment, and control are important.
Stroke Facts
Stroke is the third leading cause of death, behind diseases of the
heart and cancer. Stroke killed 158,448 people (61.4% among women)
in 1998 and accounted for about 1 of almost 15 deaths in the United
States.
An Aspirin
a Day...' Just Another Cliche?
"DOES NOT AFFECT THE HEART." That assurance
in the Bayer aspirin ads of the 1920s spoke to concerns of the day
that some drugs could damage the life-sustaining organ. Today it's
clear that aspirin can affect the heart. Ironically, it turns out
the effects are beneficial, so much so that some aspirin ads now carry
the American Heart Association's seal to highlight the cardiovascular
effects.
Facts
on Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and
is needed for the body to function normally. Your body makes enough
cholesterol for its needs. When there is too much cholesterol in your
body—because of diet and the rate at which the cholesterol is
processed—it is deposited in arteries, including those of the
heart, which can lead to narrowing of the arteries and heart disease.
Maintaining a Healthy
Weight
Overweight increases your risk of developing high blood
pressure. In fact, blood pressure rises as body weight increases.
Losing even 10 pounds can lower blood pressure--and it has the biggest
effect in those who are overweight and already have hypertension.
Overweight also is a risk factor for heart disease. And it increases
your chance of developing high blood cholesterol and diabetes--two
more risk factors for heart disease.
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