Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is a very common condition affecting an estimated one-third of people in the United States. Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure greater than 140/90 on at least two different occasions. It is recommended everyone over the age of 18 be screened for hypertension at least every 2 years and children ages 3-17 should be screened yearly. Hypertension is a silent threat that is often unrecognized. Many people do not have symptoms for months or even years before being diagnosed. Other times, patients are diagnosed incidentally when being evaluated for other reasons at a local clinic or doctor’s office.  The diagnosis and treatment of hypertension are important to prevent stroke, heart attacks, and chronic kidney disease. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in both women and men in the United States and hypertension plays a significant role in this statistic. Once the diagnosis of hypertension is made, it is important to have a thorough check-up to discuss underlying causes, diet and nutrition, and other treatment modalities. Stroke and heart attacks are preventable and controlling your blood pressure is the first step!