[Announcer speaking] Meet James. He just got his yearly checkup and he's in pretty good health. Except, his blood pressure was elevated. About 128 over 82. Which means he's at risk for high blood pressure, also called hypertension. This was serious.
[Announcer speaking and words on screen] High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even heart disease.
[Announcer speaking] James was totally shocked. "I'm only 43," he thought. "And I feel great." But his doctor had good news, too. There are steps he could take to get those numbers in control and even lower them. His healthy path started with getting his blood pressure checked regularly. Next, one of the most important steps he took was quitting smoking.
[Announcer speaking and words on screen] Smoking increases blood pressure and the risk for heart attack and stroke. And quitting could lower his blood pressure very quickly.
[Announcer speaking] So after several tries and with a combination of medication and coaching through the help line, he was able to ditch the habit. James also worked on cutting down on salt. He learned that the problem wasn't just adding salt to his food.
[Announcer speaking and words on screen] High amounts of salt, or sodium, is hiding in foods like cheese, deli meat, frozen meals, and canned soup or vegetables.
[Announcer speaking] Now he double checks the sodium on food labels. James and his provider also talked about what to eat more of and less of. More fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean poultry, and low-fat dairy, and, less red meat. Too much alcohol can also raise blood pressure, so James talked to his doctor about what was healthy for him. More exercise was also an important step on his path. He didn't want to join a gym, so instead he added a 30-minute walk to his routine - 5 days a week to strengthen his heart and keep a healthy weight. Getting on this healthy path hasn't been easy, but it's made a big difference in his blood pressure. And helped lower his risk for heart problems down the line. James now knows it's never too soon to think about his blood pressure numbers.
[Announcer speaking and words on screen] Learn more at mass.gov/bloodpressure
[Words on screen] Massachusetts Department of Public Health – For help quitting smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.