The American Heart Association created a series of Hard Hats with Heart Toolbox Talks with cardiovascular health tips and resources specifically for the construction industry to keep the workforce healthy. This weeks Toolbox Talk discusses how to manage your blood pressure.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood flowing through your veins is consistently too high. Almost half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many don’t know it. It’s known as the silent killer because there are often no symptoms. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get your blood pressure checked – for adults it should be less than 120/80 mm Hg.
How to Prevent High Blood Pressure
- Eat a healthy diet of veggies, fruits, whole grains beans and lean proteins like fish.
- Move more – physical activity improves your blood pressure
- Keep your weight under control
- No nicotine: smoking and vaping temporary increases your blood pressure
- Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night
Controlling your blood pressure is an important element of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 – the key measures for improving cardiovascular health.
