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About High Blood Pressure1

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common medical condition. High blood pressure rarely causes noticeable symptoms, but over time, it can lead to serious health problems. That's why, if you have high blood pressure, it's important to work with your doctor to set a blood pressure goal and reach it.

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What Is High Blood Pressure?

Learn the basics about high blood pressure: why it's dangerous, why many who have it don't know it, and what impact it may have on you.

What Causes It?

For most people, the cause of high blood pressure is not known, although some medicines and other medical conditions may raise blood pressure.

Risk Factors

You may be able to lower your risk of high blood pressure by changing your diet, exercise, and stress habits. But you may also have other factors you can't control.

Your Gender Makes a Difference

Both men and women may have high blood pressure, but there are differences in why and when.

High Blood Pressure Quiz

Find out how much you really know about high blood pressure. The more you know, the more you can do to help reach your goals.

Reference

1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Why Is High Blood Pressure Important? Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/hbp/serious.htm. Accessed May 28, 2008.


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