What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded as two numbers--systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (between heartbeats). Both numbers are important.

When blood pressure is too high, the heart is working harder than it should. Once developed, high blood pressure lasts a lifetime. It is a dangerous condition, which often has no warning signs or symptoms. If uncontrolled, it can lead to heart and kidney disease, and stroke.

High blood pressure affects about 50 million--or one in four--adult Americans. High blood pressure is especially common among African Americans, who tend to develop it earlier and more often than whites. Many Americans also tend to develop high blood pressure as they age. About half of all Americans age 60 and older have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure can be controlled by the following steps: lose weight, if overweight; become physically active; eat healthy, including choosing foods lower in salt and sodium; limit alcohol intake; and, if prescribed, take high blood pressure pills. All steps but the last also help prevent high blood pressure.

Table of Contents