Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About High
Blood Pressure
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls in the body.
Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day. When it
consistently stays too high for too long, it is called hypertension. People
of all ages can develop high blood pressure. Find out
more about high blood pressure.
What are symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is sometimes called the ‘silent killer’ because it
usually has no noticeable warning signs or symptoms until other serious
problems arise, therefore many people do not know that they have it. However,
high blood pressure is easily detectable and can be controlled. Therefore, it
is important for you to know your blood pressure level and to check it
regularly. Find out more about high blood pressure.
What can you do to reduce your risk?
There are several things that you can do to keep your blood pressure healthy.
These include maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, keeping
a healthy diet, controlling diabetes, avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol
use, and other factors. These actions should become part of your regular
lifestyle. You should discuss with your health care provider the best ways
for you to address these issues. Find out more about
preventing high blood pressure.
What is the burden of high blood pressure in America?
Approximately 30% of the U.S. adult population has high blood pressure. All persons,
including children, can develop high blood pressure. It is a major risk
factor for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. The
prevalence of high blood pressure is much higher in African Americans than
other racial and ethnic groups. It is a leading cause of office visits in
the United States. See more facts and statistics.
What is the cost of high blood pressure for our nation?
It is estimated that the direct and indirect costs of high blood pressure
will be $63.5 billion in the year 2006.
What is the CDC doing to address high blood pressure?
The
CDC has several programs that address high blood pressure. These are mostly
located in the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. They
include activities with other CDC components, other federal agencies, state
health departments, and local and tribal organizations. For more information
on these programs, please see our CDC addresses
high blood pressure section.
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Page last reviewed: August 22, 2007
Page last modified: February 9, 2007
Content source: Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion
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