May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. High blood pressure is often called the silent killer. This is because it can have no symptoms but is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure can also damage your kidneys, eyes, brain and the lining of your blood vessels.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages you to know your blood pressure numbers. The more you know, the better chance you have of protecting yourself and preventing:
- Death
Make sure to also adopt good health habits to keep your blood pressure under control:
- Get regular check ups
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Manage your stress
- Regularly monitor your blood pressure
- Learn more about high blood pressure.