Hypertension (high blood pressure) is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it usually has no noticeable warning signs or symptoms until other serious problems arise. About 50 million Americans, one in three adults, are living with hypertension.
*According to the American Heart Association: Medical science doesn't understand why most cases of high blood pressure occur, so it's hard to say how to prevent it. However, we do know that several factors may contribute to high blood pressure and raise your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Controllable risk factors
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Obesity — People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 or higher are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
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Eating too much salt — A high sodium intake increases blood pressure in some people.
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Drinking too much alcohol — Heavy and regular use of alcohol can increase blood pressure dramatically.
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Lack of physical activity — An inactive lifestyle makes it easier to become overweight and increases the chance of high blood pressure.
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Stress — This is often mentioned as a risk factor, but stress levels are hard to measure, and responses to stress vary from person to person.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s Hypertension Health Education Program provides you with condition-specific educational materials and support through our quarterly educational mailings that:
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Provide tools to help you reduce your high blood pressure.
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Help you understand how to reduce stress.
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Teach proper nutrition, exercise and smoking cessation (if applicable).
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Convey the importance of taking your medications as recommended by your physician.
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Empower you to take responsibility for your own health.
This program is available at no charge to eligible Horizon BCBSNJ members age 18 and older. The goal of this program is to help you reach your optimal health care goals and adhere to the treatment plan established by your physician.
It takes more than medication to manage your hypertension. By using the resources available, you can take control of your high blood pressure. For more information on Hypertension (or any other disease), please view our Medical Library.
*http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2142  Back to Top
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