The prevalence of high blood pressure differs by race/ethnicity, with the condition being more common among blacks (40.4%) compared to whites (27.4%) and Mexican-Americans (26.1%). - CDC 2013
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Your blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day. (CDC)
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension).
The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. (CDC)
Why blood pressure matters
High blood pressure — the “silent killer” — usually has no symptoms. It can damage your heart, kidneys and brain before you know anything is wrong.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Without treatment, high blood pressure can cause:
Transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Stroke.
Heart attack.
Enlarged heart.
Heart failure.
Peripheral artery disease.
Aneurysms.
Kidney disease.
Broken blood vessels in your eyes.
(Source: Cleveland Clinic)
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