High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cause

Symptoms

What Happens

What Increases Your Risk

When to Call a Doctor

Exams and Tests

Treatment Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

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Learning about high blood pressure:	What is high blood pressure? How are normal blood pressure, prehypertension, and high blood pressure defined? What causes high blood pressure? What causes secondary high blood pressure? What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? What happens if I have high blood pressure? What increases my chances of getting high blood pressure? What is isolated systolic high blood pressure? Who is affected by high blood pressure? Can a test detect high blood pressure early? Can I prevent high blood pressure?
Being diagnosed:	When should I call a doctor? How will a doctor diagnose my high blood pressure? How will a doctor measure my blood pressure? What tests will my doctor use to diagnose secondary high blood pressure?
Getting treatment:	What kind of treatment will I need for high blood pressure? Will I have to take medicine? Will I need surgery? How is secondary hypertension treated? Should I take medicine for high blood pressure?
Ongoing concerns:	How do other health problems affect the choice of high blood pressure medicines? How does high blood pressure cause heart disease?
Living with high blood pressure:	What lifestyle changes will I have to make? Will I need a special diet? Are there alternative treatments for high blood pressure? How do I check my blood pressure at home?

Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: April 10, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition

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