High blood pressure (also referred to as HBP, or hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high.

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High blood pressure is 130/80 or more on your blood pressure monitor.

If you have high blood pressure, you are not alone: nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure and many don’t even know they have it. Not treating high blood pressure is dangerous as it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Luckily, it can be managed and controlled.

This TedEx video gives a great visual explanation how your heart and blood pressure work:

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‍The American Heart Association is full of resources on understanding and managing high blood pressure.

Click the image below to download their blood pressure guide:

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Source: The American Heart Association

Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.