WELD COUNTY, CO — This May, in recognition of National High Blood Pressure Education Month, the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) reminds residents to take steps to monitor and manage their blood pressure.
According to the last Weld County Community Health Survey, 29% of residents reported having high blood pressure and the World Health Organization reports the condition affects more than 1.13 billion people worldwide.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure in the blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body becomes elevated, forcing the heart to work harder than normal. Often called the "silent killer," hypertension typically does not cause noticeable symptoms. Some individuals may experience headaches, blurred vision or ringing in the ears, but many remain unaware they have high blood pressure until it is detected during a medical visit.
“Because high blood pressure frequently goes unnoticed, regular monitoring is crucial,” said WCDPHE Public Health Education Manager Kelly Martinez. “Checking your blood pressure is a simple step that can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of serious health issues later on.”
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing hypertension, including inactivity, poor dietary habits, smoking, genetic predisposition, age and medical conditions such as sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Fortunately, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their risk. Weld County prevention programs, such as the Heart of Weld, Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL), and Cooking Matters, can help residents make lifestyle changes to reduce risk in a supportive and sustainable way.
For more information on these WCDPHE programs, visit weld.gov/go/healthed.