Protecting yourself from high-blood pressure

In a sudden health scare, Marissa Colon, a music teacher at Sabal Palm Elementary School, experienced a stroke on Dec. 1 at the age of 40.

"My first thought was, could it be a heart attack?" said Angel Colon, Marissa's husband. "But then, as soon as I saw her with the nurses, the realization hit, and the look she was giving me, I'm never forget that look, because she knew what was going on."

Marissa Colon discovered the stroke was due to undiagnosed blood pressure issues.

"I had some undiagnosed blood pressure issues, and there's plenty of us who walk around with undiagnosed blood pressure issues out there," said Colon.

Dr. Richard Chazal, Medical Director for Heart Health at the Lee Health Heart Institute, explained the risks associated with high blood pressure.

"When our heart squeezes, it produces pressure that sends blood out to all of our body, all of our organs, our arms and legs," said Dr. Chazal. "Because it's the silent killer, if you will. It's not something that generally gives symptoms until too late."

High blood pressure is a common condition, affecting nearly half of American adults, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"High blood pressure is among the most common medical conditions seen in the United States and frankly, in the world," said Dr. Chazal.

Treatment often involves lifestyle changes such as weight control, regular exercise, and diet management.

"But when that doesn't work, we need to go on medication to reduce blood pressure," said Dr. Chazal.

Colon has now committed to managing her high blood pressure to prevent future health issues.

"Your health is so important because things like this can happen out of nowhere," said Colon. "It's important to take care of your health, because you never know."