One in Five Americans Experience High Blood Pressure. Are You One?

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, one in five Americans have high blood pressure (HBP) and about 1/3 of these folks don't even know they have it.

Fast Facts:

• 90-95% of the time, the cause of high blood pressure is unknown
• High blood pressure is easily detected and controllable
• High blood pressure can be treated with many different types of medications.
• People respond differently to these drugs which is why you must go through a trial period with each drug to determine if it is going to be effective and have the fewest side effects

There are certain lifestyle changes recommended for people with high blood pressure:

• Don't eat a lot of salt
• Eat enough fruits, veggies, and fat-free/low fat dairy products
• Limit alcohol (no more than 2 drinks per day)- too much alcohol can raise blood pressure
• Lose weight if overweight
• Increase activity level

Check out the interactive web site available from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at www.nhlbi.nih.gov

If you're not a member of Anthem but would like to become one, call Jaime Lebrón at 216-643-0034 or toll free at 1-888-290-9156, ext. 0034 or e-mail Jaime.Lebron@Anthem.com

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