High Blood Pressure Risks and Care

High blood pressure, often called hypertension, is a common but serious health concern affecting millions. For those of us living in the Sunshine State, this issue hits particularly close to home.  

Understanding the risks, recognizing the contributing factors in our local communities, and taking proactive steps are key to protecting our long-term health. Let's explore what high blood pressure means for Floridians and how you can manage it effectively. 

Hypertension in Florida 

High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer" because it often has no obvious symptoms. Yet, it quietly increases the risk for major health problems like heart disease and stroke. The numbers in our state highlight the urgency of this issue. 

According to the latest CDC data from 2023, more than one in every three adults in Florida is managing this condition, placing the state among those with a higher prevalence of hypertension.  

When your blood pressure is consistently high, it forces your heart to work harder to pump blood. Over time, this extra strain can damage your arteries and lead to significant health complications. 

Areas like Pensacola and the broader Northwest Florida region, certain lifestyle behaviors and related health conditions can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. 

For example, according to the CDC, in Pensacola:

• The obesity rate was 31.7% in 2022. Excess body weight is a primary driver of hypertension, as it puts additional stress on the heart and circulatory system.
• The smoking rate stood at 15.8%. Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, making them narrower and raising your blood pressure. 
• 18.9% of adults reported binge drinking, a practice that can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure and contribute to long-term hypertension if done repeatedly. 

These local health indicators show that lifestyle choices play a significant role in our community's cardiovascular health. While genetics and age are factors, many of the risks associated with high blood pressure are within our control to change. 

Steps to Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure 

The good news is that high blood pressure is manageable and often preventable through lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medical treatment. Here are some steps you can take today: 

1. Adopt a heart-healthy diet
Focus on eating whole foods that are naturally low in sodium and rich in nutrients. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is a great model. 

• Increase fruits and vegetables: Aim for four to five servings of each per day. They are packed with potassium, which helps balance sodium levels. 
• Choose whole grains: Opt for brown rice, quinoa and whole-wheat bread instead of refined grains. 
• Incorporate lean proteins: Fish, poultry, beans and nuts are excellent choices. 
• Limit sodium: Read food labels and aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. If you already have hypertension, your doctor may recommend an even lower limit. 

2. Get moving regularly 
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. This could be 30 minutes a day, five days a week. 

• Find activities you enjoy: Brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing all count. 
• Add strength training: Include muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. 
• Break it up: If you can't find a 30-minute block, three 10-minute walks throughout the day can be just as effective. 

3. Monitor Your Blood Pressure 
Regularly checking your blood pressure is crucial for managing hypertension. You can do this at your doctor’s office, at a local pharmacy, or with a home blood pressure monitor. Keeping a log of your readings can help you and your doctor track your progress and make informed decisions about your treatment plan. 

4. Maintain Healthy Weight 
Losing even a small amount of weight—as little as 5 to 10 pounds—can make a significant 3difference in lowering your blood pressure. A healthy diet and regular exercise are the best tools for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. 

5. Limit Alcohol and Quit Tobacco 
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most impactful actions you can take for your cardiovascular health. 

High blood pressure is a widespread issue in Florida, but it doesn't have to control your life. By understanding the risks and making proactive lifestyle changes, you can protect your heart and improve your overall well-being. 

Get Immediate Care for Your High Blood Pressure  

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care's emergency room is open 24/7, and urgent care is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Appointments are unnecessary - walk in, and our healthcare professionals are ready to help at both of our locations. 

• Navarre - 8888 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL 32566. Call the center at 850-750-5698. 
• Nine Mile - 9400 University Parkway Suite 101A Pensacola, FL 32514. Call the center at 448-227-4600. 

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care is comprised of board-certified ER-trained physicians and professionally trained ER nurses who deliver quality medical care. Our urgent care and emergency room can effectively treat various medical conditions. From fever to fractures, allergies to abdominal pain, and colds to concussions, we have you covered with on-site labs, CT, X-rays, and ultrasound.