Anyone can develop high blood pressure, also called
hypertension. African Americans are at higher risk for this serious disease
than any other race or ethnic group. High blood pressure tends to be more
common, happens at an earlier age, and is more severe for many African
Americans. The good news is that high blood pressure can be controlled‹and
better yet, it can be prevented!
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your
blood vessels. Your blood pressure is at its greatest when your heart contracts
and is pumping blood. This is systolic blood pressure. When your heart rests
between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is called diastolic blood
pressure. Blood pressure is always given as these two numbers: the systolic and
diastolic pressures. The numbers are usually written one above or before the
other, with systolic first, for example, 120/80.
Is high blood pressure really a big deal?
YES! When your blood pressure is high, your heart has to
work harder than it should to pump blood to all parts of the body. High blood
pressure is called the "silent killer" because most people feel
healthy and don¹t even know that they have it. If it is not treated, high blood
pressure can cause:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney problems
- Eye problems
- Death
Know your number!
Have your blood pressure checked. It is easy, quick, and
painless.
Your blood pressure should be checked by your health care
provider at least once each year.