MATTAWA - The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reports that more than half of people with high blood pressure do not have their condition under control as the medical profession recognizes High Blood Pressure Education Month.

Columbia Basin Health Association (CBHA) physician, Dr. Christopher Schuler, says it is important to know our blood pressure numbers and to "make control our goal."

One in three American adults has high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Annually, that's 67 million people who have to keep their blood pressure in check each day.

Hypertension usually does not cause any symptoms until it is extremely high. It may cause headaches, chest pain, blurred vision or other neurologic signs.

"Even without any symptoms, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage a person's health in so many ways," Dr. Schuler said.

Uncontrolled blood pressure is hard on the heart, blood vessels and organs that receive too much pressure all the time. It can harden the arteries, decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart and brain.

"Imagine running an irrigation pump at twice the recommended pressure all the time. Something is going to break eventually, either the pump, the hoses or a sprinkler head," Schuler said.

"If this happens, people are at risk of a heart attack, stroke and heart failure. Chest pain, also called angina, can also occur."

Even if people are aware that they have high blood pressure and are being treated for it, problems can still occur, Schuler said. Patients sometimes have to work hard to get their blood pressure within an acceptable range.

"I like to work with my patients and help them set a goal detailing what they need to do to maintain better control," Schuler said.

He said it is important to take blood pressure medication as directed. Working on proper diet and exercise is essential.

Dr. Schuler added that patients need to understand the effects other medications might have on their blood pressure medicine and also recognize side effects.

"I also encourage patients to quit smoking and reduce the amount of sodium (salt) in their diets," he said. "It is also important to maintain a healthy body weight and get 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week."

Schuler recommends diets high in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol. Patients are also advised to limit the amount of alcohol each day to one drink for women and two for men.

"I also advise patients, as much as possible, to limit the amount of stress in their lives," Schuler said.