May 22, 2007

Blood Pressure Classification	Systolic (mmHg)		Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal	<120	and	<80
Prehypertensive	120-139	or	80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension	140-159	or	90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension	=>160	or	=>160
Source: American Heart Association Recommended Blood Pressure Levels

One in every three American adults has high blood pressure. The condition can lead to heart disease and stroke, the number one and number three causes of death in the United States. During May, National High Blood Pressure Month, take a few minutes to determine your chance for developing the condition.

One way to determine your risk is to test your blood pressure at your doctor’s office or most pharmacies. Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure, while prehypertension is the term used for a person who doesn’t currently have high blood pressure but is more likely to develop it in the future.

You can also evaluate yourself by knowing characteristics which increase one’s chances for developing high blood pressure, such as age and race. Americans over age 55 have a 90-percent likelihood of developing the condition. Additionally, African-Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than any other racial or ethnic group. This group also tends to develop it earlier and more severely than others.

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Being physically inactive
• High salt and sodium intake
• Low potassium intake
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Diabetes

As a way to improve overall heart health, E.ON U.S. has partnered with Anthem for the WellBeing – Vascular at Risk program for employees, retirees and spouses. For those who complete an online Health Risk Assessment, Anthem’s team of clinical experts will provide information about a proper diet, exercise and other factors which influence the risk for heart disease. Participants will also have access to a Registered Nurse at all times to answer any questions about their health condition.

For more information on high blood pressure, visit the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's website.