KMBC: Reducing Stroke Risk by Controlling Your Blood Pressure

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. However, up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable with healthy lifestyle changes.

Monitoring your blood pressure and keeping it at a healthy level is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk.

"High blood pressure is the most neglected condition in our country-- it's the silent killer," said Dr. Tracy Stevens, a cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute. "It's second only to nicotine as the most preventable cause of stroke and heart attack."

KMBC talked to Dr. Stevens and Andrew Fisher, one man who has learned how to control his blood pressure after dealing with high levels and other related health issues for years.

Watch KMBC's interview with Andrew Fisher below.

Watch KMBC's interview with Dr. Stevens below on what to look for when monitoring your blood pressure.

Watch KMBC's interview with Dr. Stevens on how to check your blood pressure from home below.