What is High Blood Pressure

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

Blood pressure rises and falls during the day. But when it stays
elevated over time, then it's called high blood pressure. High blood
pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard, and
the high force of the blood flow can harm arteries and organs such
as the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. High blood pressure often
has no warning signs or symptoms. Once it occurs, it usually lasts a
lifetime. If uncontrolled, it can lead to heart and kidney disease,
stroke, and blindness.

High blood pressure affects more than 65 million—or 1 in 3—
American adults. About 28 percent of American adults ages 18 and
older, or about 59 million people, have prehypertension, a condition
that also increases the chance of heart disease and stroke. High
blood pressure is especially common among African Americans,
who tend to develop it at an earlier age and more often than Whites.
It is also common among older Americans—individuals with normal
blood pressure at age 55 have a 90 percent lifetime risk for developing
high blood pressure.

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