Understanding High Blood Pressure
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High Blood Pressure is a common and dangerous condition. Having High Blood Pressure means the pressure of the blood in your blood vessels is higher than it should be. The good news is you can take steps to control your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Who is Affected?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults in the United States (48.1%, or about 119.9 million people) have hypertension or are taking medication for hypertension.
Risk Factors
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The chance of having high blood pressure increases as you get older.
Gender
A higher percentage of men (50.8%) have high blood pressure than women (44.6%). Men younger than age 55 are more likely to have hypertension than women in the same age group. After menopause, women’s risk of developing high blood pressure increases and rates become similar to men’s by around age 60.
Family History
Family history is an important risk factor for high blood pressure. Individuals who have parents or close relatives with hypertension are more likely to develop the condition themselves due to inherited genetic traits and shared lifestyle habits. Genetics can influence how the body regulates blood pressure, including salt sensitivity, hormone levels, and blood vessel function.
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According to the CDC, high blood pressure is more common among non-Hispanic Black adults (58%) than among non-Hispanic White adults (49%), non-Hispanic Asian adults (45%), or Hispanic adults (39%).
What are the symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
High Blood Pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms. Many people do not know that they have High Blood Pressure. That’s why it’s important to get checked regularly.
What Blood Pressure Numbers Mean
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.
Note that you should consult with your doctor regarding what your normal blood pressure is.
Take the following steps for a healthy future:
Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy lifestyle changes can help control High Blood Pressure. A healthy lifestyle includes following a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking.
Medicines
Take all blood pressure medicines that your doctor prescribes. Know the names and doses of your medicines and how to take them. If you have questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Ongoing Care
If you have High Blood Pressure, have medical checkups or tests as your doctor advises. Your doctor may need to change or add medicines to your treatment plan over time. Routine checkups allow your doctor to change your treatment right away if your blood pressure goes up again.
Keeping track of your blood pressure is important. Have your blood pressure checked on the schedule your doctor advises.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI’s) “My Blood Pressure Wallet Card” (accessible via their website at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/hbpwallet.pdf) can help you track your blood pressure. You can write down the blood pressure readings from your provider appointments as well as names and doses of your medicines with this handy card. During checkups, you can ask your doctor or health care team any questions you have about your treatments.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related ilated information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
About the Author
This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
In her own words:
“I chose to work in healthcare because I saw firsthand how overwhelming and inefficient the system can feel for so many people. I wanted to be part of making it more accessible and easier to navigate, so individuals can spend less time struggling with the system and more time focusing on their health and well-being.”
Fuentes:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Aging, National Institutes of Health | www.nia.nih.gov
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute National Institutes of Health | www.nhlbi.nih.gov
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Updated May 12, 2026