According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 3 U.S. adults—an estimated 68 million people—has high blood pressure. Furthermore, less than half (46%) of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control. If not adequately addressed, hypertension (high blood pressure) can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or severe kidney disease. Therefore, whether you already have hypertension or just the possibility of it, these are 5 big issues you need to address head-on.

1. Do you really have hypertension? Blood Pressure Chart to the rescue!

The first big issue to consider is whether or not you truly have high blood pressure. To accurately assess and interpret your own blood pressure measurements, you need to utilize a blood pressure chart and blood pressure log. You can download our free blood pressure chart and log here: Blood Pressure Chart: Understand What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Really Mean.

After you download the blood pressure chart, you’ll need to start tracking your blood pressure levels. But, having your blood pressure checked at a doctor’s office is often an inaccurate way to determine your TRUE blood pressure reading. In fact, studies indicate measuring your own blood pressure at home is superior. Why? Blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office tend to be elevated compared to blood pressure readings at home due to the anxiety or fear of actually being at a clinic or having the measurement done in front of a doctor or nurse. Learn more about home blood pressure monitoring here: A Home Blood Pressure Monitor and a Reliable Blood Pressure Chart Offer Superiority for Knowing Your True Risk.

Last, using a home blood pressure monitor will all be for naught if you are not getting accurate blood pressure readings. It’s essential that you learn how to measure your own blood pressure readings correctly with your home monitor. For detailed instructions on how to do this, read our article, 13 Cardinal Rules for Getting Accurate Blood Pressure Readings.

2. Could a magnesium deficiency be to blame for your high blood pressure?

Magnesium is the great “relaxation” mineral the body uses in over 300 enzymatic reactions. But more importantly, an adequate supply of magnesium is absolutely required by your body for effective blood pressure control. So, could your hypertension or pre-hypertension be caused by a magnesium deficiency? How could you know or find out? To answer these questions, read our article, What You Must Know About Low Magnesium Symptoms.

3. What would be some simple natural high blood pressure remedies to try first?

A number of natural remedies stand out as potentially effective high blood pressure remedies that would be worth trying:

• Fight High Blood Pressure Symptoms with Garlic
• Spice Up Your Life With These High Blood Pressure Remedies!
• High Blood Pressure Remedies in the Dairy Isle?
• High Blood Pressure Remedies for Children and Teens

4. What is the heart disease therapy no one wants you to know about?

If you want to lower your risk for having a heart attack, reducing your blood pressure is critical! In fact, 69% of people who have a first heart attack and 74% of people with chronic heart failure have high blood pressure.[1] In addition, if you have diabetes or if you’ve been told you have atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease, you’re heart attack risk increases dramatically. But, there is an alternative therapy that has been proven by scientific studies to successfully treat heart disease (even though no conventional doctor is talking about it!). Find out if you are just the right candidate for this therapy: The Therapy Nobody Wants You to Know About Found to Successfully Treat Heart Disease.

5. What inexpensive test can give you a picture of your true cardio risk?

The best time to detect coronary artery disease (or atherosclerotic heart disease), the number one cause of death in the Western world, is in an early stage long before there are any of the well-known symptoms. And the one and only way to do this is by finding out your coronary calcium score with CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring. This is important because many heart attacks occur suddenly and without warning. But, what makes this test even more remarkable is that it takes less than ten minutes, it only cost about $99 and it can often be ordered directly by patients without a doctor’s referral! Learn more about CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring here: Coronary Artery Calcium Score: The Best Way to Know if You Have Early Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

[1] Circulation. 2012;125(1):e2–220.

Originally published in 2013, this blog has been updated.