High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer

High blood pressure raises your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Often referred to as as a “silent killer” high blood pressure usually shows no symptoms or warning signs. If HBP isn’t detected or controlled it can cause serious complications in the blood vessels, heart, brain, eyes and kidneys.

High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when the force of blood pushing through your vessels is consistently too high. Hypertension is typically defined as blood pressure above 140/90, above 180/120 is considered severe.

FAST FACT: Black people have a higher rate of HBP than other racial and ethnic groups; it also tends to be more severe, and meds may be less effective.

Going for annual physicals and getting your blood pressure checked on the regular plays a major role in heart-health.

Talk to your doctor about how often your blood pressure should be monitored. If it turns out to be on the high side, they can assist you in making heart-smart changes to bring it to a healthy level.