High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension).
Things that can increase your risk of getting high blood pressure
- are overweight.
- eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables.
- do not do enough exercise.
- drink too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
- smoke.
- have a lot of stress.
- are over 65.
- have a relative with high blood pressure.