Blood pressure is an important measure of overall health, and is one of the primary vital signs that healthcare providers monitor during routine check-ups. Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your blood exerts against the walls of your arteries as it is pumped through your body by your heart. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which your blood pressure is consistently elevated above healthy levels, and can lead to a range of serious health problems if left untreated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 45% of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and that only about 1 in 4 of those with high blood pressure have it under control. This is concerning, as high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are two of the leading causes of death in the United States.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all adults have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, and more often if they have a history of high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease. The AHA defines healthy blood pressure as a systolic pressure (the top number) of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of less than 80 mmHg. High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher.
There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including age, genetics, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, and certain medical conditions. Lifestyle changes can often help to lower blood pressure, and may include things like losing weight, reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption. In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage high blood pressure.
It's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, and to work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to manage it if it is consistently elevated. By taking steps to manage high blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of developing serious health problems and improve your overall health and well-being.