When was the last time you checked your blood pressure? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. High blood pressure has become a serious global problem not only in the United States.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 1 in 3 U.S adults with the condition are not even aware they have it and are not being treated to control their blood pressure. [1]

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that in 2023, blood pressure was the primary cause of 664,470 deaths in the U.S [2]

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects the body’s arteries. [3] If you have the condition, the force pushing blood against your arterial walls is consistently too high.

This force puts a strain on your heart and can lead to other serious health complications, like heart attacks and stroke, if left untreated.

Hypertension is regarded as a “silent killer” as it does not have apparent symptoms. It can be diagnosed with a reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher.

It’s essential to maintain a normal blood pressure of below 120/80 mmHg to avoid further complications.

Now, let’s understand why high blood pressure matters and why it’s essential to take it seriously as a health concern.

Why It Matters

Hypertension generally presents no symptoms. This condition can cause significant, long-term damage.

Here is why this condition matters.

Because there are no early warning signs, the problems are usually not noticed until much later, after the body’s important organs have already been slowly damaged for years.

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for two serious health problems, stroke and heart disease, which are the top causes of death around the world.

The constant high pressure on the artery walls can damage blood vessels. This is due to the risk of plaque buildup, which can narrow arteries.

If left untreated, hypertension increases the risk of other diseases like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Causes and Risk Factors

Blood pressure depends on two things: how much blood your heart pushes out and how tight your arteries are. If your heart pumps more blood or your arteries are narrower, your blood pressure goes up.

Key causes and risk factors of this condition include:

• Genetics and age. As you grow older, having a family history of the condition puts you at risk. [4]
• Unhealthy diet. Too much intake of sugary, fatty foods and a diet high in sodium and potassium puts you at a significant risk of the disease.
• Being overweight can cause changes in your body and hormones that raise your blood pressure.
• Medical conditions. Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid issues, and sleep apnea can all be linked to high blood pressure.

Practical Steps to Reduce Blood Pressure

To help manage and lower your blood pressure, consider incorporating these practical, everyday steps into your routine: [5]

• Gradually reduce your salt intake. Also, choose fresh foods over processed items to limit fluid retention and blood volume.
• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables to help balance the amount of salt in your body and support kidney function.
• Engage in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity to strengthen your heart and improve blood circulation.
• Maintain a healthy weight, as this can significantly help reduce blood pressure, as your heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood.

When to See a Doctor

Checking your blood pressure is an essential part of staying healthy. How often you need it checked depends on your age and overall health.

You should have your blood pressure checked at least every two years starting at age 18. If you are 40 or older, or between 18 and 39 and at higher risk for high blood pressure, you should get it checked every year.

Your doctor may want you to check it more often if you already have high blood pressure or other heart-related risks.

If you do not see a doctor regularly, you might be able to get your blood pressure checked for free at community health events. Some stores and pharmacies also have free blood pressure machines. However, their accuracy can vary depending on factors such as cuff size and how the machine is used. Ask your doctor for advice if you plan to use one of these public machines.

High blood pressure may be silent, but it’s not unstoppable. With small daily choices and regular checkups, anyone can take control of their heart health.

Sources

1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. High blood pressure – what is high blood pressure (hypertension) | NHLBI, NIH. www.nhlbi.nih.gov. Published April 25, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure
2. CDC. High blood pressure facts. High Blood Pressure. Published January 28, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
3. Mayo Clinic. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) . Mayo Clinic. Published 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hypertension: What You Need to Know as You Age. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Published 2013. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/hypertension-what-you-need-to-know-as-you-age
5. Mayo Clinic. 10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication. Mayo Clinic. Published July 23, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974

About The Author

Beatriz Watson

Beatriz Watson is a Consultant at Clinical Consultant Services, where she applies her combined expertise in computing and information technology to support solutions within the medical field. A graduate in Computing and Information, Beatriz brings a strong technical foundation paired with practical knowledge of healthcare environments. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between clinical needs and innovative technological approaches, contributing to improved processes, efficiency, and patient-centered outcomes.

Read more articles by Beatriz Watson