Diabetes & Your Health High Blood Pressure & Diabetes Aspirin & Did you know as many as two out of three adults with Heart Health diabetes have high blood pressure? High blood pressure Studies have shown is a serious problem. It can raise your chances of stroke, that taking a low- heart attack, eye problems, and kidney disease. dose aspirin every Many people do not know they have high blood pressure day can lower the because they do not have any symptoms. That is why it risk for heart attack is often called “the silent killer.” and stroke. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is Aspirin can help to have it checked. If you have diabetes, you should those who are at high have your blood pressure checked every time you see risk of heart attack, the doctor. People with diabetes should try to keep their such as people who blood pressure lower than 130 over 80. have diabetes or high blood pressure. Cholesterol & Diabetes Aspirin can also help Keeping your cholesterol and other blood fats, called lipids, under control can people with diabetes help you prevent diabetes problems. Cholesterol and blood lipids that are too who have already high can lead to heart attack and stroke. Many people with diabetes have had a heart attack or problems with their cholesterol and other lipid levels. a stroke, or who have heart disease. You will not know that your cholesterol and blood lipids are at dangerous levels unless you have a blood test to have them checked. Everyone with diabetes Taking an aspirin a should have cholesterol and other lipid levels checked at least once per year. day is not safe for Some people will need to have them checked more often. everyone. Ask your doctor if taking aspi- rin would be right for How Can I Control My Blood Pressure & Cholesterol? you. • Quit smoking. Do not use any tobacco products. For more information, • If you take blood pressure medicine or cholesterol medicine, be sure to take it like your doctor told you. contact: • Enjoy regular physical activity. SoonerCare Disease • Lose weight if you are overweight. Management Services (405) 522-6205 • Eat a healthy diet with lots of vegetables. • Eat a diet that is low in salt, saturated fat, and cholesterol. (800) 522-0114 • Have your cholesterol and other blood lipids checked at least once per year. or talk to your doctor. Sources: American Diabetes Associat ion, American Heart Association This publication is authorized by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority in accordance with state and federal regulations and printed by the University of Oklahoma Printing Services. Cost of the printing was $475.00 for 15,000 copies. OHCA is in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Copies have been deposited with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Clearinghouse. The Oklahoma Health Care Author- ity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. Order additional copies on the OHCA Web site www.okhca.org. .