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• High blood pressure is commonly referred to as the "silent killer", since a third of people affected do not even know they have it. Over time high blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls, allowing the build up of fatty plaque, which can eventually block arteries. High blood pressure also strains the heart and can eventually weaken it. There are usually no symptoms with high blood pressure, making it very important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.AHA: High Blood Pressure

• Fast Facts

  1. Also known as hypertension
  2. Affects 1 in 3 AmericansNHLBI: What Is High Blood Pressure?
  3. Only a third of patients have it under controlKidsHealth: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure
  4. Pressure: 140/90 or higherAHA: About High Blood Pressure
  5. Treatments: Lifestyle changes, medicationAHA: What Can I Do?
  6. Often asymptomaticAHA: About High Blood Pressure

• Risk Factors

  The risk of having high blood pressure increases with age. Women are at higher risk to develop high blood pressure after menopause. High blood pressure is more common among blacks and usually develops at an earlier age. Other risk factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, to much sodium in your diet, excessive alcohol use and stress.MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure: Risk Factors

• Prevention Tips

  • Healthy diet
  • Weight loss
  • Exercise regularly
  • Quit smoking
  • Stress management

• Possible Complications

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Kidney failure

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have high blood pressure, please make sure to consult your doctor.

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Heart Disease | Preeclampsia | Heart Attack | Heart Failure | Kidney Failure | High Cholesterol | Cholesterol Management | Stroke | Menopause | Low Blood Pressure | Ornish Diet | Glucomannan | Beta Blocker | Clonidine | Panic Attack | ACE Inhibitor | Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) | Lasix (Furosemide) | Protein in Urine | Hypertension Treatment

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