New data shows that keeping your doctors’ appointments and taking your medicine may not be enough to reduce your heart disease risk. A national survey of 800 people taking medication indicates that patients actively managing their high blood pressure are misinformed about their health and have a false sense of security about their care.

An adult aged 40 to 70, with blood pressure 160/100 mm Hg or higher, is at more than four times the risk of heart attack and stroke than someone with blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg, the level experts say minimizes risk. Nearly half of respondents with blood pressure that high, however, felt they were in "excellent" or "good" health.

National guidelines recommend two or more high-blood-pressure medications for people with a blood pressure greater than 160/100 mm Hg, yet 54 percent of such respondents reported taking only one medication.

Rippe Lifestyle Institute Founder and Director Dr. James M. Rippe said the findings show that "people don’t understand that blood pressure is much more than just a number––it’s a measure of a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke. The higher the number, the greater the danger."

All survey respondents were taking high-blood-pressure medication, and three-quarters reported checking their pressure outside the doctor’s office. Despite their best efforts, 47 percent still had high blood pressure, a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher.

"Without the right information and tools, even the most motivated patient will remain at risk. We need to provide people with straightforward, practical information about the dangers of high blood pressure and effective treatment options," said Rippe.

New Education Program

To educate people taking medication that their blood pressure may still not be low enough, Rippe has teamed up with football legend Joe Montana on the educational campaign "Take the Pressure Off . . . With Better Blood Pressure Control."

Rippe explained, "We educate people about the three pillars of high blood pressure control: appropriate physical activity, a healthy diet and the right combination of medications—many people will need two or more." Rippe encourages patients to work with their doctor to make sure their treatment is working as well as possible.

To learn more and order free educational materials, visit www.takethepressureoff.com or call (877) 438-2736.

This story was provided by the North American Precis Syndicate.