What is high blood pressure
What is high blood pressure
(hypertension)?
High blood pressure is a common condition. About one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure, or hypertension. And nearly one out of three adults has prehypertension—blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range—which raises the risk of developing high blood pressure.
It is a serious condition that we all must be more conscious of as we age. High blood pressure is a leading cause of several serious health conditions.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
Many people have no symptoms of high blood pressure until it has caused significant organ damage. This is why it is known as “the silent killer.”
It is important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis at your annual physical and more often if you have significant risk factors.
Know your blood pressure numbers
According to guidelines followed by doctors, blood pressure is normal if it is 120/80 or below. The range of 120 – 129 and less than 80, is considered elevated per the 2025 updates from the American Heart Association.
If your blood pressure falls in the elevated range, it may quickly develop into hypertension, or high blood pressure. The stages of hypertension are:
