Could You Be Living with High Blood Pressure?

See Your Doctor

High blood pressure is a common, and potentially dangerous, condition that requires careful monitoring by your doctor. The term means the pressure of the blood in your blood vessels is higher than it should be. The good news: You can take steps to control your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

About one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only about half of these people have their high blood pressure under control. It is called the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.

That’s why it is important to check your blood pressure regularly. Having it checked when you visit your doctor is one way to track it. Your doctor may also recommend that you get a home blood-pressure monitor or that you visit your pharmacy regularly for a free blood-pressure check.

You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure or to control it if your blood pressure is already high. Talk with your doctor about diet, exercise, and medications, if needed.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention