Your Guide to High Blood Pressure
Your Guide to High Blood Pressure    
High blood pressure (HBP), also called hypertension (HTN), is a condition in which the pressure inside your arteries is abnormally high. Estimates show that more than 60 million Americans, perhaps up to 72 million, have high blood pressure. It is sometimes called the "silent killer," as about a third of sufferers are not even aware they have it, sometimes for years. Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts you at increased risk of serious health problems, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease. Hypertension is a major risk factor for two of the leading causes of death--heart disease and stroke.
 
Blood pressure is a measurement of the amount of blood that your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. There is always some level of pressure in your blood vessels, which allows the blood to flow throughout your body to your vital organs and tissues. If your arteries have narrowed, or your heart is pumping more blood, your blood pressure will rise. Hypertension typically develops gradually without any signs or symptoms. Eventually, nearly everyone will develop high blood pressure. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that you have a 90 percent chance of developing it at some point in your life. 

Fortunately, it is easy to detect high blood pressure using a simple measuring device. Once a diagnosis of hypertension is made, controlling it is possible through changes in diet, exercise, your weight, and with medication. It is important to work with your doctor to learn how to best control your blood pressure.

 
High Blood Pressure Statistics    
  • Almost one-third of people with high blood pressure do not know they have it.
  • Almost one in three adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure.
  • More than 40 percent of African Americans have high blood pressure.
  • It is estimated that there are at least 60 million adults in the U.S. over the age of 20 have high blood pressure. Some estimates go as high as 72 million Americans who have high blood pressure.
  • Of those with hypertension, only 72 percent know they have it.
  • Each year, there are over 35 million physician office visits for hypertension.
  • The cause of 90 to 95 percent of high blood pressure cases is unknown.
  • High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.
  • It is estimated that 90 percent of middle-aged adults will eventually develop high blood pressure during their lifetime.
  • About 28 percent of American adults have prehypertension.
  • The estimated direct and indirect costs of high blood pressure exceeds $63 billion each year.



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