Health Blog

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is called the “silent killer” because-in most cases-there are no clear warning signs, even as the condition damages your health.

While the causes of most high blood pressure are unknown, the risk factors are well known: They’re a combination of things you can’t control and things you can:

If high blood pressure runs in your family, your risk is doubled. The risk increases with age. African-Americans have a high risk-all things that can’t be controlled.

If you are overweight, under stress, or a couch potato, you are at risk-from things that can be controlled. Sometimes, high blood pressure is a sign of other problems, such as diabetes or kidney disease.

The good news is high blood pressure can be treated effectively with lifestyle changes and, frequently, medication.

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Health by Candice