When you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you are at higher risk for having heart attacks or strokes. Uncontrolled diabetes and/or high blood pressure can increase that risk even more. The good news is that you can reduce these health risks by keeping your diabetes and blood pressure well controlled. Aim to keep your A1C less than 7%. This indicates good diabetes control.

What is hypertension?
Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force or pressure of blood against your artery walls. When you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work harder to send blood throughout your body. High blood pressures also damage the artery walls-which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Why is it important to know your blood pressure number?
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. The only way you know if you have high blood pressure is to check it.

It is important to know your blood pressure numbers. If you have diabetes, have your blood pressure checked in the clinic at least once every year. You can also learn how to check your blood pressure at home.

Definitions of blood pressure ranges
The top number 129/79 of a blood pressure measurement is the systolic pressure. This is the highest force of blood against your arteries when your heart is sending blood to your body. The lower number 129/79 is the diastolic pressure. This is the force of blood against your arteries while your heart relaxes between beats. Both numbers are important.

What can you do?
Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay a person from getting hypertension. Lifestyle changes and prescription medications can also help you control hypertension. There are several ways to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.

• Take Hypertension Medications as prescribed.
• Learn more about managing your diabetes.
• Quit tobacco use, if you use tobacco.
• Lose weight, if you are above your goal weight.
• Get regular physical activity.
• Reduce your stress or anxiety.
• Make healthy food choices. This includes eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods low in fat and salt (sodium).
• Consider taking classes on diabetes or hypertension at a facility near you. To find classes or other resources at Kaiser Permanente visit our Healthy Living website.
• Try our Online Health Coach. Become more physically active through our Let’s Get Physical program. Improve your eating habits with our S.M.A.R.T. eating program. Whichever program you choose, you’ll get video coaching sessions right in your email. You’ll also get personalized materials to support your program.

To learn more about how to keep your heart healthy visit PHASE: Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes Everyday.