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High blood pressure and high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. Learn how to manage your blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent heart disease and other illnesses.
You might not be able to feel them, but high blood pressure and high cholesterol can silently increase your risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition where the pressure of the blood inside the blood vessels is higher than average. Over time, this extra pressure can damage the blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
High cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia, is a condition where you have too much cholesterol in your blood. The extra cholesterol builds up inside your blood vessels, damaging and narrowing them, making it harder for the blood to flow. If blood flow to the heart is cut off, you could have a heart attack. If blood flow to the brain is cut off, you could have a stroke.
High blood pressure and cholesterol do not usually cause symptoms. Ask your doctor for regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and ask about healthy levels and how often you should be tested. If your blood pressure or cholesterol is high, talk to your doctor about what you can do to manage them. Your options may include:
- staying active and exercising regularly
- eating healthy with a low-salt, low-fat diet and plenty of fruits and vegetables - for more information, see Canada's Food Guide, the DASH eating plan (for high blood pressure), or Heart Healthy Eating (for high cholesterol)
- aiming for 4,700 mg of potassium each day from your diet by eating foods that include bananas, oranges, lentils and dried beans and peas, potato, tomato (including cooked tomato products) spinach, prunes, papaya kiwis, low-fat milk and milk products, and whole-grain cereals. Potassium may help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke and help to control your blood pressure. Most Canadians do not get enough. However, people who take some medications or have certain kidney problems should not have as much potassium - check with your doctor.
- losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight
- quitting smoking
- taking medications
For some people, these lifestyle changes are enough to control their cholesterol or blood pressure. However, others may also need medications. If your doctor recommends medications, you will still need to keep up your healthy diet and exercise. This will help control your blood pressure and cholesterol, and keep your heart in good condition.
For more information on managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, see:
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