Hypertension

Over 1 in 4 Utahns have been told that they have high blood pressure by a healthcare provider. 

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a medical condition that affects almost half of adults in the United States. Hypertension is often called “the silent killer” because it often does not have symptoms and can go undetected until it causes other serious health conditions, such as a stroke or heart disease. This is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked by your healthcare provider at each visit.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the chance that a person will have hypertension include:

• Diabetes
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Stress
• Obesity
• Tobacco use

Hypertension can be controlled through lifestyle changes such as eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, participating in physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and not using tobacco products. Hypertension can also be managed through medications that are prescribed by a healthcare provider and taken regularly.

Tabitha Edson BS, CHES®
Health Educator
tedson@summitcounty.org
435-333-1509