May is High Blood Pressure Education Month! This is a perfect time to raise awareness about heart-related issues - like high blood pressure - that increases our risk for heart disease. Our focus will be on the top three main risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and high cholesterol. Understanding these conditions and knowing how to manage them can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. This can make it particularly dangerous, as it can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms develop. High blood pressure is most often diagnosed by having your blood pressure measured by a healthcare professional.
The good news is that high blood pressure can be lowered. Lifestyle changes or medication can help reduce your risk for heart disease and heart attack. Regular check-ups and monitoring your blood pressure can play an essential role in maintaining good heart health. Check out these tips from the CDC for ways to monitor and manage your risk for high blood pressure.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a condition where your body doesn’t make enough insulin, can’t use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. This causes sugar to build up in the blood, which can lead to serious health problems. It significantly increases the risk of death from heart disease.
Managing diabetes is crucial for maintaining heart health. If you have diabetes, be sure to talk with your doctor about ways to prevent or manage the condition and control other risk factors. You can also check the CDC's guide on managing diabetes for more information.
Community pharmacies are in an ideal position to deliver and expand on diabetes prevention programs in the communities they serve. Pharmacists who want to implement a prevention programs can access more resources through the NCPA and the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP).
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. While your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, high levels of cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Extra cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries, including those of the heart. This leads to narrowing of the arteries and can decrease the blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys, and other parts of the body.
The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked. Regular monitoring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Your Pharmacy Can Help Improve Heart Health
Regular check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and medications (when needed) can go a long way in promoting heart health.
But, when your pharmacy provides resources that lower the risk of heart disease through programs that focus on heart-healthy eating, exercise, and education, staying heart-healthy becomes easier for everyone.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Reach out to us today to get started.
