Hurricane Katrina was a roaring killer storm, but in November 2005, by chance, Major Warren Harvey discovered he was harboring a silent killer, high blood pressure. While planning to deploy for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Maj. Harvey's plans changed. A routine blood pressure check during a dental appointment revealed that Maj. Harvey had high blood pressure, 190 over 110. His reading was too high for dental treatment and the hygienist instructed him to see a physician's assistant.

This is the story of Major Warren Allen Harvey, a 42-year old Army National Guard Soldier. A native of Little Rock, Ark., he now makes his home in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Maj. Harvey's lifestyle and morning routines have changed somewhat. Mainly, his new routine comes in the form of a 10 mg pill that he takes each morning. That, and the support of his wife who is now very careful about what food and snacks she puts into Maj. Harvey's daily lunch preparation. Mrs. Harvey has played an instrumental role in changing Maj. Harvey's diet. Family awareness and support, heart smart nutrition, and exercise are critical players in managing the silent killer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even children are susceptible to high blood pressure.

In many cases, diet and exercise are the best treatment for high blood pressure. Sometimes, as in Maj. Harvey's case, a prescription drug is also necessary. "Black males in my Family have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer," he says.

The first few days after taking the high blood pressure medication, "I felt fatigued," says Harvey, "and I had to take a couple days off from work and the gym. But after that, I guess my body regulated to it and now I feel the same as I ever did. I feel great now." Maj. Harvey monitors his blood pressure on a regular basis, but listens to his body and gets cuffed immediately if he is uncertain about his blood pressure status.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, lies dormant in many Americans, including Soldiers. According to the American Heart Association, one out of three adults is at risk, but hypertension is a very manageable health condition. The anxiety and stress that comes with deployment and combat readiness is enough to coax blood pressure to above average levels. These stressors along with heredity, poor eating habits, smoking, or limited exercise, increase the risk and incidence of high blood pressure many times over. High blood pressure, if left undetected, can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other debilitating conditions.

In the words of Maj. Harvey, "All Soldiers need to know their blood pressure numbers. So many Soldiers are coming back from Iraq with high blood pressure. Even if it can't be cured, it can be treated." Getting cuffed is the first step to early detection and is key to getting effective treatment.

Maj. Harvey gives much credit to the Veterans Healthcare Administration Little Rock facility (Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital). "I know the stigma associated with the V.A., but Little Rock treated me like royalty. I had always heard the nightmares of dealing with the V.A. from my father and others. But after a year of overseas deployment, Army National Guard Soldiers are entitled to two years of benefits from the Veterans Administration." Take advantage of that. It is an entitlement.

So do it, Get Cuffed! Why fall prey to high blood pressure, the silent killer unnecessarily? The detection process is painless and quick, and treatments are readily available. Make an appointment for a reading and get a free blood pressure check-up. Know your numbers, know what they mean, and take action as recommended by your healthcare provider. The more you know about your body, the better you can take care of it.

If you or someone you know is battling high blood pressure, refer to these online resources for assistance and information:

• ARNG Decade of Health-2007 Get Cuffed! Campaign
• The American Heart/American Stroke Association
• The National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• High Blood Pressure
• Blood Pressure-Your Body's Warning Lights
• Preventing High Blood Pressure
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Health Care Benefits and Services

The HOOAH 4 HEALTH support team greatly appreciates the contributions of Maj. Warren A. Harvey, Army National Guard, Training and Support Center, for his inspiration and personal story shared in the development of this article.

Article reviewed and edited by Ms. Judith S. Harris, BSN, MA, and Certified Health Education Specialist.

Copyright 2007. This article may not be reproduced in any media format or venue without written permission. administrator@hooah4health.com