Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure within the arteries is too high. High blood pressure can damage the heart, kidneys, and other organs, and it is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Low or high birth weight increases the risk for hypertension. Children born from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or maternal diabetes also have higher blood pressure in childhood and throughout their adult lives.
Lowering blood pressure can help reduce the risk of hardened arteries, damaged organs, and inadequate blood supply to the heart and brain.
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked by a health care professional.