Stewart had known her family history put her at risk. Heart disease had taken a toll on her family; several members had high blood pressure. They are fairly typical. Nearly one in three Americans has high blood pressure, a condition sometimes called the “silent killer” because it often doesn’t have any symptoms. Among adults with high blood pressure, 45.6 percent do not have it under control.
Some of Stewart’s other family members had heart attacks at a young age.
She had tried to avoid the same fate by keeping fit, but her weight climbed as her metabolism slowed down in her late 30s. She did join a gym and local walking group, but she wasn’t consistent about going.
But after her hypertensive crisis in October of 2015, she made significant changes.
Stewart added more lean meats and seafood to her diet and is careful to drink plenty of water.
“I’m not perfect, and if I want something, I’ll have it, but only in moderation,” she said.
Stewart also recommitted to exercise, increasing her 30-minute walks several times a week to an hour, shifting between walking, yoga and CrossFit.
GirlTrek, a national movement to encourage black women to walk together as a first step to increase physical activity, offered Stewart local support and accountability.
