Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood throughout your body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) represents the pressure when your heart beats, while diastolic pressure (the bottom number) represents the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss. Regular monitoring is essential for early detection and management.

Lifestyle modifications can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Key strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, following the DASH diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy), reducing sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly), limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and quitting smoking.

For those with hypertension, medication may be necessary in addition to lifestyle changes. Common classes of blood pressure medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. Your healthcare provider will determine the best treatment plan based on your individual health profile.