High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Hypertension is Dangerous Because It Makes the Heart Work Too Hard Increasing the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
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The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first- and third-leading causes of death among Americans.
Do you know the most common signs and symptoms of hypertension?
American Heart Association: How Do I Know if I Have High Blood Pressure?
Since hypertension isn't something you can usually feel, it may be hard to believe that it can really hurt you - but it definitely can:
- American Heart Association: High Blood Pressure - Why Should I Care?
- National Heart Lung Blood Institute: Effect of High Blood Pressure on Your Body
- "High blood pressure is something only men get."
- "I don't need to worry about hypertension until I'm middle-aged."
- "I have high blood pressure when I go to the doctor, but that's because I'm nervous. I'm sure it's fine otherwise."
