Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another major risk factor that con be controlled. It is estimated that some 58 million Americans have high blood pressure. Forty million of these individuals are under the age 65. Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries as the blood passes through the circulatory system. Two numbers are recorded during a blood pressure measurement and are written as 120/80, for example. The first number, systolic pressure, is the pressure exerted against the artery walls when the heart contracts. The second number, diastolic pressure, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. If the arteries narrow, it becomes more difficult for the blood to pass through the circulatory system. Blood pressure in the arteries rises, and this may make the heart work harder. Over a lonp period of time, the heart tends to enlarge when it has to work harder than normal. High blood pressure also contributes to hardening of the arteries, which increases the possibility of stroke. Most authories agree that blood pressure should remain below 140/90. Hypertension can be controlled in several ways such as:

Medication.

Weight reduction (diet).

Moderate exercise.

Lowered use of alcohol.

Lowered salt intake.

Relaxation training.

***It is important to realize that high blood pressure often goes unnoticed. Screening for hypertension can be done by local physicians, Red Cross chapters, or other health care providers.