Combating high blood pressure for health and family

“I was barely 30 years old and already pre-hypertensive,” says 35-year-old Orlando resident, Ilene Sakal. “My doctor told me that I needed to immediately focus on lowering my blood pressure, or I’d be facing a medication regimen. It was a scary wake-up call. I needed to take control of my health for me, as well as for my two daughters, 9-year-old Hannaa and 5-year-old Lena. I embrace our family history and love continuing family traditions; but poor health is one tradition that I’m not willing to pass along to my girls!”

Ilene began to make positive lifestyle changes by improving her diet, adding fruits and vegetables and more fiber and proteins, while cutting back on junk food and fats. She also discovered a love for group fitness classes and a competitive edge, running in local road races. More importantly, these lifestyle transitions helped her to lose 60 pounds and lower her blood pressure to the recommended range of less than 120/80, thus significantly reducing her risk of cardiovascular disease. And she’s not the only family member to benefit from the healthier lifestyle. “My husband lost 30 pounds too!” she states.

BEFORE	AFTER

An estimated 68 million Americans have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. National health organizations, including the Center for Disease Control, have designated May as High Blood Pressure Education Month to call attention to what is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because, despite being a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke, blood pressure typically has no symptoms. Blood pressure calculates the two forces of the heart working to push blood – one during beats (systolic pressure) and the other at rest (diastolic pressure). The higher the force, the more likely damage can occur to the arteries.

The chaos of running a busy household can leave a parent feeling under pressure. But studies show that poor lifestyle choices significantly contribute to younger adults developing high blood pressure as well. In fact, about 28% of American adults aged 18 years or older have pre-hypertension. In cases such as Ilene, developing high blood pressure is related to heredity paired with poor eating habits and lack of exercise.

Ilene’s doctor is pleased that she avoided the need for hypertension medications, but Hannaa’s pediatric cardiologist is the biggest fan of the Sakal family’s new healthy lifestyle. Hannaa was born with congenital heart disease and underwent heart surgery at just 6 months.  Because diet and exercise are often the body’s best weapon against heart disease, her doctor says that Ilene’s management of a proper diet and exercise is definitely a contributing factor to the strengthening of Hannaa’s heart muscle. In fact, her heart health has improved beyond everyone’s expectations and she no longer needs heart medications!

Ilene says her physical health has also impacted her family’s overall happiness. “We all have much more energy, so we want to be active and do things together. For example, my girls look forward to swim lessons and I’ll even jump in the pool too.”

Ilene’s says the key to keeping her blood pressure low and improving her family’s health is to ‘plan ahead’ since processed foods and restaurants often add extra sodium and saturated fat. Her favorite tip is to make sure to have healthy snacks such as grapes, apples, or carrots on hand, and to get off the couch and get active. She enjoys jumping jacks competitions in the living room with the kids.

Take Control of High Blood Pressure

Source: American Heart Association & CDC

Get your blood pressure checked!

• Eat a healthy, low-sodium diet
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage stress
• Avoid tobacco smoke
• Comply with medication prescriptions
• Limit alcohol consumption

Blood Pressure Categories

Source: CDC

Normal blood pressure

systolic: less than 120 mmHg and
diastolic: less than 80 mmHg

Prehypertension

systolic: 120–139 mmHg or
diastolic: 80–89 mmHg

High blood pressure

systolic: 140 mmHg or higher or
diastolic: 90 mmHg or higher
or
taking antihypertensive medication