Take the Blood Pressure Quiz

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that a healthy adult get a first blood pressure check at age 18. If your blood pressure is normal at that time, and you do not have diabetes or other risk factors, you should then get your blood pressure checked every year. You should also be checked more often if you are at risk for high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may suggest a different screening schedule if you have other health conditions.

Blood pressure readings measure the force of blood pushing against blood vessel (artery) walls as your heart pumps blood. They can change when you are dehydrated, nervous, or stressed. They can also change when you sleep, and when you wake up. They also change when you are active. Blood pressure goes up as you get older. It is also related to your body size. When blood pressure stays high over time, it can cause damage to different parts of the body. It can cause serious long-term problems.

Because it usually has no obvious symptoms, high blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer.

A direct cause isn't known in most cases, however.

You have high blood pressure when your blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg on several separate occasions. Blood pressure can be normal, elevated, or stage 1 or stage 2 high blood pressure:

• Normal blood pressure is 120/80. This means a systolic reading of less than 120 and a diastolic reading of less than 80.
• Elevated blood pressure is a systolic reading of 120 to 129 and a diastolic reading of less than 80.
• Stage 1 high blood pressure is a systolic reading of 130 to 139 or a diastolic reading between 80 and 89.
• Stage 2 high blood pressure is a systolic reading of 140 or higher or a diastolic reading of 90 or higher.

Over time, high blood pressure damages blood vessels. This damage is called arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. These conditions increase your risk not only for stroke, but also heart attacks and kidney disease.

Excessive drinking increases heart rate. This puts pressure on vessel walls. Three to five drinks a day over a long period can cause high blood pressure.

Aging directly relates to an increase in risk. Men tend to see their blood pressure go up in their 50s. Women's blood pressure tends to increase in their 60s.

People who are very sensitive to salt have blood pressure that reacts a lot to salt. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone--no matter what age, ethnic background, or health conditions--consume no more than 2,400 mg of sodium a day. In some cases, your healthcare provider may tell you to cut your sodium intake even more.

Although you can't change certain risk factors such as age and family health history, you can choose a lifestyle that promotes heart health.