Introduction

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common chronic condition that is one of the most important preventable causes of premature death worldwide. Known as a “silent killer,” hypertension usually causes no symptoms until it has led to serious medical problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Use this condition center to learn about high blood pressure, become familiar with the 5 questions you should ask your doctor once you've been diagnosed, and understand what you can do to become or stay as healthy as possible.

Use the links at the left of the screen (or scroll down) to access different features of this condition center.

Learn About Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

“Blood pressure” is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.

Track Your Blood Pressure Now with the CardioSmart Health Tracker: Blood Pressure tool.

Learn More About Hypertension:

What is it?	Basic Facts
A More Detailed Explanation	Causes
Risk Factors	Symptoms and Complications
Diagnosis	Tests
Treatment	Medicine
Prevention	Track Your Blood Pressure

Questions to Ask Your Cardiologist

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, there are several key questions that you should ask your cardiologist during your next visit. These questions will ensure that you and your doctor have discussed your major risk factors so that you can become or stay as healthy as possible.

What medicines do I need to take and for how long?
What should my blood pressure be and how often should I check it?
What should I eat and what should I avoid?
Do I have diabetes or high cholesterol? If so, how should I treat those?
What are the signs of a heart attack or stroke, and what should I do if I have them?

News

Stay up-to-date with the most recent advances in cardiovascular disease by learning what your doctor is reading. The news articles featured here are always presented from the perspective of the physicians and healthcare specialists that have dedicated their lives to helping others stay heart healthy. Want to receive CardioSmart News updates by e-mail? Log in or Sign up now!

March 23, 2009

CardioSmart:Newly Diagnosed With High Blood Pressure? You might want to skip the beta blocker

March 23, 2009

CardioSmart: When High Blood Pressure Remains High

March 23, 2009

CardioSmart: High Blood Sugar Levels Contribute to High Blood Pressure

Helpful Links

Below are some helpful links to help you learn more about your condition and how to manage your risk factors:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute — Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure

Holistic Heart Health-Research Information regarding therapies, conditions and vitamins/supplements affecting heart health

Video Library

Watch Dr. Elizabeth Klodas talk about high blood pressure and what can be done to manage your risk factors for this condition.

Please note that the content on CardioSmart attempts to define practices that meet the needs of most patients in most circumstances. However, everyone is unique, and the extent to which the information applies specifically to you should be a key point of discussion between you and your cardiologist or health care provider. The ultimate judgment regarding your care must be made by you and your healthcare provider together, in light of circumstances specific to you as a patient.