High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a very common disorder linked to heart attacks and strokes. It is caused by a number of lifestyle factors, such as drinking, smoking, lack of physical activity and diet. High blood pressure also runs in families. Luckily, there are a number of medications and life changes that can help manage high blood pressure and prevent it from doing more damage. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure affects one in three adults in America, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). When blood passes through the arteries too quickly for too long, it can harden blood vessel walls, make the heart work too hard, and hurt the kidneys and brain, the institute says.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition in which blood pressure readings persistently exceed 140/90.
- Researchers aren’t sure why, but African Americans tend to suffer from high blood pressure more than other ethnic groups, according to NHLBI. Hypertension is more common among this group, and it tends to occur at an earlier age and have worse effects.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview …
MedlinePlus
has an illustrated, interactive online hypertension tutorial. This explains what the cardiovascular system is, how high blood pressure develops, how it’s diagnosed and how it’s treated. This tutorial is also available in a five-page PDF.
HealthAtoZ.com
is an extremely user-friendly site. The simple layout and design make getting the desired information both quick and easy. In this case, HealthAtoZ.com has a concise introduction to hypertension covering everything from causes and symptoms to prevention.
For women …
The American Heart Association
has specialized hypertension information for women. Learn what blood pressure is, what the different levels mean and how your blood pressure is affected if you're taking oral contraceptives, are pregnant, are overweight, are postmenopausal, are African American or have a family with a history of high blood pressure.
For seniors …
The National Institute on Aging
has information for older adults that explains how to understand, prevent, and treat high blood pressure.
Diagnosis and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
A doctor diagnoses high blood pressure by using a cuff that goes around the arm and a stethoscope ... read more »
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