high blood pressure
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) makes your heart work harder,
and puts a strain on your arteries. Over time, high blood pressure can put you
at risk for stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.
If you're obese, you're twice as likely to have high blood pressure. And if
you're obese and have diabetes or
high cholesterol, you have a much greater risk of heart attack or
stroke.
The good news is, many of the risk factors for high blood pressure are within
your control. With an effective program, you may be able to keep enough weight
off to improve your health long term. You can minimize other risk factors by:
- Becoming more active
- Drinking less alcohol
- Eating less salt
- Keeping your stress levels down
...and you can do it! Remember, you're not alone. You can get the help you
need–and you have the example of many others who have faced similar challenges
and learned to manage their weight and live healthier lives.
ready?