Description
One in four adults in the United States has high blood pressure. You or a family member may be one of them.
High blood pressure is a deceptive illness because it causes few, if any, symptoms. That's why many people, perhaps even you, don't view it as a life-threatening condition. Nothing could be further from the truth. High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure and premature death. If you don't take it seriously, it can shorten your life by 10 to 20 years.
There is no cure for high blood pressure. But the good news is the condition is both preventable and treatable. Adjustments to your lifestyle and, if necessary, medication can help you take control of your blood pressure and keep it at a safe level. Within these pages, you'll find practical advice you can put to use today to better manage your blood pressure. Much of the information is what Mayo Clinic doctors and other health care professionals use day in and day out in caring for their own patients.
