Blood pressure is the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels. Normal blood pressure measures at or less than 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when your blood pressure is consistently higher than normal.
Learn more about blood pressure numbers and what they mean.
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Many people do not know they have it. Measuring your blood pressure is the only true way to know if you have high blood pressure.
Learn about how to monitor your blood pressure.
Risk factors that can increase your risk of high blood pressure include:
Learn more about the risk factors.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can damage your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
Health issues that can be caused by untreated hypertension include:
Learn more about the health risks.
Sources: CDC, American Heart Association