Who gets high blood pressure?

Nearly 65 million Americans have high blood pressure (hypertension), and yet 30 percent may not know they have the disease. Older women are more likely to develop high blood pressure.  African Americans are at high risk of developing hypertension. In fact, the incidence in this group is among the highest in the world. Others at risk are those who are overweight, have a family history of hypertension and those with high-normal blood pressure.  

 What is high blood pressure?

When your heart beats, it pumps blood through your arteries. The pressure of the blood flowing against the arteries walls is your blood pressure. The more pressure it takes to move the blood, the harder your heart is working.  

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The top number, systolic, shows the pressure of the blood when the heart beats. The bottom number, or diastolic, is the pressure when the heart is at rest. Numbers are usually written like this 120/80 mm Hg, which is a normal adult blood pressure.  

Blood Pressure Categories for Adults

Category                                 Systolic                                              Diastolic                                                       Normal                                     less than 120                                   less than 80

High Normal                           120-139                                             80-89

High Blood Pressure            

Stage 1                                     140-159                                              90-99

Stage 2                                    160 or higher                                      100 or higher            

 Take Control

You can take these steps to control your blood pressure:    

• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Become physically active.
• Choose foods that are low in salt and sodium.  
• Limit your alcohol intake.             
• If prescribed, take high blood pressure pills exactly as your doctor says.