For the first time in my life, I have high blood pressure and I became aware of this quite by accident.  The Medical Center of Middle Georgia recently held a free health at Macon Mall, so I decided to drop in and get my blood pressure, cholesterol level, and blood sugar checked.  Everything was fine but my blood pressure.  To my surprise, it was high (165/100).  In fact, the nurse checked it a second time to make sure it was correct.  She advised me to see my personal physician.  It had been over a year since my last appointment and I had gained about 35 pounds since that time.  When I saw my doctor (Dr. Walter Hutchings), he checked my blood pressure and it was still the same (165/100).

Dr. Hutchings advised strongly that I walk each day, exercise, change my diet (watch my sodium intake), and begin taking my high blood pressure medicine.  He advised me that if you’re blood pressure stays high for a long time, it could damage the blood vessels in your heart.  High blood pressure can also cause strokes and heart attacks.  I have a follow-up appointment in 30 days.

The prevalence of hypertension (high blood pressure) in African Americans is among the highest in the world. Poorly controlled hypertension can lead to a variety of serious health problems including strokes, heart disease, and kidney failure.  African Americans suffer from the complications of hypertension at alarmingly high rates and often, do not receive treatment until the blood pressure has been elevated for many years and has already begun to damage organs in the body.

Data reveal that compared to the general population, African Americans have:

·        An 80% higher death rate associated with strokes due to hypertension.

·        A 50% higher death rate associated with heart disease due to hypertension.

·        A 320% higher death rate associated with end-stage kidney disease.

This was a wake-up call to me.  Please get your blood pressure checked today.  The only way that we can beat hypertension is to tackle it head-on.  If you find that you have high blood pressure, make lifestyle changes and take your medication if your doctor prescribes it.

Dr. Hutchings has assured me that if I lose 20 pounds, I should no longer have to take medication.  I will lose 20 pounds or more.  My life is at stake.