High Blood Pressure Guide

About 72 million people in the United States age 20 and older have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. That's one in every four adults. High blood pressure is referred to as the "silent killer" because it often has no warning signs.

Many people are surprised to find that they have high blood pressure. But it is a serious condition -- one of the leading causes of stroke and heart disease. If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, take it seriously.

By following the steps below and working with your doctor, you CAN lower your high blood pressure and decrease your risk for heart disease.

Medication side effects
Forgetting to take medication
Can herbs help?


I. Let's Get Started

Step 1: What is blood pressure?
Step 2: Take high blood pressure seriously
Step 3: What causes high blood pressure?
Step 4: Who gets high blood pressure?
 

II. Testing and Screening
 

Step 5: High blood pressure is "silent"
Step 6: Diagnosing high blood pressure
Step 7: Follow-up office visits
 

III. Managing High Blood Pressure
 

Step 8: Treatment overview
Step 9: Maintain healthy habits
Step 10: Drug therapy
Step 11: Monitor your blood pressure at home
Step 12: You and your doctor are a team