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1. What exactly is hypertension?

   Hypertension is also called high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the pressure inside your arteries that harmlessly pushes the blood to your body's organs and muscles so they can receive the oxygen and nutrients they need. Blood pressure is variable -- it rises and falls during the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it is called high blood pressure or hypertension. A blood pressure reading at or above 140 systolic or 90 diastolic (presented 140/90) is considered hypertensive.

2. What causes hypertension?

   No one knows for sure, although a number of factors are thought to contribute to it, such as family history. If you have two immediate family members who developed high blood pressure before age 60, you have two times the risk, and your risk goes up even further with each additional immediate family member with high blood pressure you have. Other risk factors include increasing age, salt sensitivity, obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, use of oral contraceptives, an inactive lifestyle, regular smoking or use of smokeless-tobacco (like snuff or chewing tobacco) and high uric acid levels .

3. Are there different types of hypertension?

   Yes, there are two types of hypertension: Primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension, the most common type, is also called essential hypertension. There is no known cause. About five to 10 percent of people with high blood pressure have it as a result of another condition or problem, such as such as kidney disease, or the use of certain medications, such as birth control pills. This is secondary hypertension.

4. Can hypertension lead to other serious medical problems?

   Yes! All stages of hypertension are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease. Even slightly elevated blood pressure levels can double your risk for coronary heart disease. Consistent high blood pressure also increases your risk for congestive heart failure and can lead to other problems such as atherosclerosis, eye damage, heart enlargement or failure, and kidney damage and failure.

5. Who develops high blood pressure?

   African Americans and Hispanic Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than Caucasians. More men than women have hypertension until women reach menopause, when a woman's risk surpasses a man's.

6. How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

   You should have your blood pressure checked whenever you see a health care professional -- but every two years at the least.

7. What can I do to prevent hypertension?

   Diet and lifestyle changes are key. You should increase your exercise, maintain a healthy weight and reduce alcohol consumption. Most men shouldn't drink more than two drinks per day and women shouldn't drink more than one drink per day. (One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or an ounce and a half of 80 proof liquor). You should also reduce your stress levels and lower your sodium intake, as well as follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, and low in saturated and total fat.

8. How is hypertension treated?

   Your health care professional has seven drug classes from which to choose when selecting a hypertension drug for you. Generally, all can lower your blood pressure, but often people respond very differently to each drug. You will probably have to try out a few of them before finding the one that works the best for you, with the least amount of side effects. Thiazide diuretics are recommended as initial therapy for people with high blood pressure.