While so many of us our concerned about COVID-19 and the flu right now, it's important not to let other health concerns go unchecked.
That includes high blood pressure (or hypertension).
"600,000 people die every year from heart disease," says Surgeon General Vice Adm. Jerome M. Adams. "500,000 people have high blood pressure listed as the primary or secondary cause of death on their death certificate."
Frequently, it has no signs or symptoms, and if left uncontrolled hypertension can increase a person's risk for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, pregnancy complications, and cognitive decline or dementia later in life.
"The pandemic has made it worse in a number of ways," says Surgeon General Adams. "One of them is stress. There is no doubt that we are under a tremendous amount of stress as individuals and as a nation right now. So now is a great time to know your numbers."
Surgeon General Adams recommends even those who have never had a problem with hypertension check their blood pressure several times a year, and have a yearly checkup with their doctor.