By Vi Lam
May 2026 | 2026 Spring – Summer Newsletter
Hypertension, or high blood pressure (BP), causes a heavy force of blood to constantly push against artery walls. Left untreated, there is an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Over time, high BP can cause damage to a person’s heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. In the United States, it is estimated that nearly half of adults are living with high blood pressure, and they are unaware of it.
High BP is sometimes referred to as a “silent killer” due to having few visible obvious symptoms. Age, family history, and certain health conditions may increase the risk of developing high BP. However, there are preventative steps that you can take to manage high BP before there are any long-term complications.
Have your doctor check your BP. If high BP is diagnosed, it is highly recommended that you get a blood pressure monitor and self-monitor at home regularly. Ask your doctor to explain how to understand the BP readings. You can also learn more about BP reading at heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure.
Lifestyle changes have also been shown to help people manage the effects of high blood pressure. These changes include increasing physical activity, avoiding smoking, sticking to a healthy diet, limiting sodium and alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress. Visit cdc.gov/high-bloodpressure/data-research/facts-stats/index.html for more information on high BP and steps to help prevent or manage it.
For more information and shareable content about blood pressure, visit the American Medical Association.