4 HEART BEAT SPRING 2021
HEALTHY LIVING
Any number less than 120 and 80 is
a blood pressure considered within
normal range. If your results fall
into this category, stick with heart-
healthy habits. If your results are
higher, keep reading because you are
not alone.
Nearly half of adults with high blood
pressure are women and many don't
know their blood pressure numbers are high.
Although gender doesn't determine risk, health
events throughout a woman's life – from pregnancy
to menopause – can increase the chance of
developing high blood pressure.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to a
variety of health threats, including heart attack,
vision loss, heart failure, kidney disease/failure and
stroke. That's why high blood pressure is known as
the "silent killer."
"Patients who do not control their blood pressures
reduce their lifespans by an average of five years,"
said Janice D. Christensen, M.D., FACC, cardiologist
with Providence Spokane Heart Institute.
"Controlling your blood pressure
lowers your risk of heart failure by
50%, your risk of stroke by 40%,
as well as reducing risk of kidney
failure and heart attack."
Monitoring your blood pressure is the
first step to heart health. It's important
to know your blood pressure numbers,
just as you know your height and weight.
Get instructions on how to track your blood
pressure from home, a printable tracker and other
resources at Providence.org/BetterU.
Just like CPR teaches you how to
help someone during breathing
and cardiac emergencies, Mental
Health First Aid teaches you how
to help someone experiencing
a mental health or substance
use crisis. Learn risk factors and
warning signs for mental illness
and addiction concerns, strategies
for how to help someone in both
crisis and non-crisis situations, and
where to turn for help.
Register for this class at
wellness.inhs.org/
Mental-Health-First-Aid
The 411 on AFib
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an
irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
caused by disorganized electrical
signals in the upper chambers
of the heart. AFib may or may
not cause symptoms.
Fortunately, there are
many AFib treatments
available today that can lower
your risk factors and help you
maintain a normal life. Learn
more about the symptoms,
medicines and treatments of
this heart condition.
Visit Blog.Providence.org
and search "AFib What you
need to know."
