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Foto: SGN
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People should have their blood pressure measured every year. That says the Heart Foundation, which is starting a campaign for it.
“A quarter of the deaths from heart disease and a third of the deaths from strokes in the Netherlands are caused by high blood pressure. Because you usually do not notice high blood pressure, it is also called a silent condition, ”the organization says.
Men in particular pay too little attention to their blood pressure, says the Heart Foundation. “Almost half (44 percent) of men aged 40 to 60 are not interested in measuring blood pressure. And that while no less than 1 in 3 men has high blood pressure. Only half (56 percent) say they have measured blood pressure in the past year. That percentage has to increase, ”according to the Heart Foundation.
“Measure your blood pressure at least once a year”, David Smeekes, doctor at the Heart Foundation, tells people. “From the age of 40 you are more likely to have high blood pressure, both men and women. By measuring annually you will discover in time whether you have high blood pressure. You can still do a lot yourself to lower it. Consider, for example, exercising more, eating less salt or losing weight. If you are overweight and you lose weight, your blood pressure can already drop to about 20 points. ”
High blood pressure is slightly less common in women aged 40 to 60 than in men. Physique and hormones play a role in this, but according to the Heart Foundation, men also live unhealthier lives; are less concerned with their health than women, smoke more often and eat saltier. They are also more often fat.
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