What is high blood pressure?

“Blood pressure” is the force of blood in your arteries as the heart pumps blood. This pressure is measured by two numbers:

• The top number, or “systolic” pressure, is the force when the heart beats. 
• The bottom number, or “diastolic” pressure, is the force when the heart relaxes between beats. 
• These numbers are usually given together.

Your blood pressure rises and falls a small amount during the day, but doctors can tell from several readings over time if your average blood pressure is higher than normal. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. This means that the force of blood when your heart beats is 120, and the force is 80 when your heart is between beats. High blood pressure, or “hypertension,” usually refers to blood pressure that is 140/90 or higher. 

How common is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems in America. Although people of all ages can have high blood pressure, it is more common in people who are over 65 years
old. The National Center for Health Statistics states that African Americans get high blood pressure more often, and at an earlier age, than other races. More African American women than men have the condition. High blood pressure is more common for people who are overweight, eat salty foods, drink a lot of alcohol, smoke tobacco, or do not exercise regularly.

Why treat high blood pressure?

High blood pressure makes the heart work too hard, can cause narrowing of the arteries, and can lead to heart disease, heart attack, kidney disease, and stroke