High blood pressure is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it typically has no symptoms, yet its effects on your health can be profound. Research shows a strong connection between the duration of high blood pressure and the increased risk of stroke. The longer a person lives with hypertension, the higher their risk of stroke and the more medications they may need to manage it.
Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This condition occurs when the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls is too strong and is a significant risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of heart disease.
High blood pressure in adults is defined as a systolic (top number) reading of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic (bottom number) reading of 80 mmHg or higher. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. Unfortunately, many people are unaware they have high blood pressure because it often has no symptoms.
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