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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects 30 percent of American adults older than 18, and causes more than 58 million Americans to see a health care provider every year.

It is the most common risk factor for heart attacks, congestive heart failure and strokes. This is an important statistic to note because heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of cardiovascular deaths in both men and women older than 50 in the United States. Hypertension can also lead to kidney disease and eye disease if not controlled.

Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: the systolic pressure, and the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure (the top number), is the pressure while the heart contracts or pumps, and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number), is the pressure while the heart relaxes and fills with blood. A normal blood pressure is less than or equal to 120/80. Blood pressures in the range of 120-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic are considered borderline high, often referred to as "pre-hypertension."

A systolic blood pressure higher than 140 or diastolic pressure higher than 90 is diagnostic of hypertension. A diagnosis of hypertension can be confirmed by a healthcare provider if these measurements occur three times or more over several weeks or months.

Most people with hypertension do not experience symptoms from it, which is why it is referred to as "the silent killer." Some people may report fatigue, blurred vision, chest pressure, or headaches with high blood pressure. It is recommended that people consult health-care providers if they experience any of these symptoms, or if they have elevated blood pressure. You can measure your own blood pressure with automatic cuffs at many local pharmacies, and it is also possible to purchase digital blood pressure cuffs for use at home.

Of course, local health care providers can easily check your blood pressure as well. Anyone with a blood pressure of 200/120 should consult a health-care provider immediately, as this is considered a "hypertensive emergency."

Risk factors for developing hypertension include a family history of high blood pressure, obesity, excessive alcohol intake (more than two 12-ounce drinks per day), excessive salt or sodium intake (more than 2000 mg daily) or being of African-American descent. Some people develop hypertension without any of the most common risk factors. Secondary (less common) causes of hypertension include diseases of the kidney or adrenal gland, thyroid disorders, birth control or hormone usage, sleep apnea, or coarctation of the aorta in children, a rare congenital heart condition.

Blood pressure can often be controlled with exercise, reduction of salt intake, reduction of alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and with weight loss. Every adult older than 18 should periodically have their blood pressure measured. If it is elevated, discuss treatment with a local health-care provider. If lifestyle changes do not effectively control blood pressure, there are many medication options which effectively lower blood pressure, thereby lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other medical problems. Like many things in life, "an ounce of prevention may be a pound of cure."