Blood is transported from the heart to other organs and areas of the body by the arteries. Blood pressure is the pressure that is exerted on the inner walls of these arteries by blood. Generally, to be diagnosed with high blood pressure, you must exhibit continuously high blood pressure at two different doctor's visits spaced at least 7 days apart.

High blood pressure can lead to a variety of medical issues if left untreated. It is often symptomless until it becomes extremely high, at which point people can experience vision problems and dizziness. High amounts of salt and alcohol intake, excess weight, lack of physical activity, family history, certain medications, and an overactive thyroid are some causes and risk factors for high blood pressure. Strategies such as consuming less salt, exercising more, losing weight, and medication prescribed by a health care provider can be used to help lower blood pressure.

Eating too much salt can increase your blood pressure and lead to heart disease, especially if you are over 50, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or are African American. Try to eat less than a teaspoon of salt a day.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan stresses the consumption of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry, and nuts; while reducing sodium and limiting red meats, sweets, and sugary drinks. DASH aims to help lower or control high blood pressure. This resource helps you get started on the DASH diet by providing three days of menu options.

Lifestyle changes may help you delay, reduce, or avoid the need for medication to treat your high blood pressure. Try following a healthy diet, exercising frequently, consuming less sodium, reducing your intake of alcohol and caffeine, losing any excess weight, checking your blood pressure at home, and having regular check-ups with your health care provider.

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Attaining and maintaining a healthy weight, following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, eating less sodium, eating more potassium rich foods, regularly exercising, and controlling stress and anger are a few lifestyle changes that can help manage high blood pressure. Consult your health care provider about these strategies.

The force that your blood applies to the walls of the arteries is known as blood pressure. Blood pressure can be too low or too high. Eating a diet that places emphasis on fruits and vegetables, reducing salt consumption, excising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep you blood pressure in check.

Your doctor can check if you have high blood pressure by putting an arm cuff around your arm that measures blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it can be treated by making lifestyle changes such as eating less salt, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol. Medication is another treatment option.

Checking your blood pressure at home is important if you have high blood pressure. Digital monitors placed on the upper arm are often the best option. Before you use a new monitor, have your doctor check it over. Measure your blood pressure twice a day and avoid measuring right after you wake up.

Live a healthy lifestyle to best defend yourself against high blood pressure. Eat healthy, be active, maintain a healthy weight, eat less salt, and limit caffeine. Medication can also be used to treat high blood pressure.

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet encourages you to eat less salt and more foods rich in nutrients like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Over time, the DASH diet could help you lower your blood pressure.

One study recommends that people age 60+ start treatment for high blood pressure when their blood pressure is 150/90. This is different than the current recommendation to start treatment at 140/90. Talk to your doctor about the best time to for you to start blood pressure treatment.

Caffeine can cause higher blood pressure levels. You may be at a higher risk if you are a man over 70, or overweight.

Eating too much salt can make existing high blood pressure and heart disease worse. More unbiased and high quality research is needed to know whether salt intake is really a risk for healthy adults.

Exercising more, lowering salt consumption, and losing some weight are three non-drug related strategies that can help lower blood pressure.

You could be at a greater risk of high blood pressure if you sleep less than six hours per night. Try to get at least seven hours per night, as this may help prevent or treat high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about ways to sleep better.