Heart, Blood, Circulation

Blood pressure is defined as the force that the blood exerts on the veins and arteries while it circulates around the body. If this force is greater than it should be, it is often referred to as high blood pressure or hypertension. Blood pressure is controlled by a variety of organs and body systems, including the heart, blood vessels, the kidneys, the brain and the adrenal glands, as well as the complex interaction between the body systems.

The body manufactures two types of cholesterol - LDL (which is seen as a bad form of cholesterol) and HDL (which is seen as a good form of cholesterol). When LDL levels are too high, fatty deposits or plaque can start to build up on the walls of the arteries, decreasing the amount of blood that can flow through them-- posing a greater risk of heart attacks, stroke, arteriosclerosis, or coronary heart disease.

High blood pressure (also commonly known as Hypertension) is often called the “silent killer”, as many people can live for years with this dangerous condition without ever experiencing a single symptom. High blood pressure is estimated to affect 1 in 3 American adults. Once the condition arises, it is usually a life-long problem that needs to be treated and managed carefully.