Unchecked high blood pressure can cause serious health problems

Class at Otowi Building focuses on hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as the silent killer because individuals may live for years without knowing they have the disease.

At 11:30 a.m., April 29, Lab workers can learn more about hypertension and behaviors that contribute to the disease — and ways to control it — at a class in the Otowi Building cafeteria side rooms at Technical Area 3.

Dr. Peter Barnett will lead the class, "In Charge: Ways to a Healthier Heart," which will be preceded and followed by free blood-pressure screenings also in the cafeteria side rooms. The Lab's health promotion program and Blue Cross Blue Shield New Mexico are sponsoring the class.

Barnett is assistant professor of medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Physicians.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure. Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms."

The Mayo Clinic says people who consistently measure at 140 over 90 have high blood pressure. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries. Blood pressure normally varies during the day. It can even vary slightly with each beat of the heart. It increases during activity and decreases with rest.

Dr. Barnett will talk about hyptertension and offer strategies for combatting the disease. He also will answer questions about high blood pressure. Those who attend the class will receive a copy of "Health Manager," a free educational binder and log book.

There also will be a drawing for a free blood-pressure monitor to be given away after the presentation to an individual who attends and signs up for the drawing.

The National Institutes of Health advises that blood pressure be checked every two years or, more frequently, if a person's blood pressure is above normal or if a doctor so recommends.

Risk factors that individuals can control include maintaining a healthy weight, becoming more active, eliminating the use of tobacco, moderating intake of salt, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and managing stress.

For more information, contact Jessica Kisiel of Occupational Medicine (HSR-2), the Lab's Positive Health Directions coordinator at 5-4368, write to jkisiel@lanl.gov by electronic mail or go to http://int.lanl.gov/worklife/health/index.shtml#in_charge online.

-- Steve Sandoval

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