There's a killer on the loose—and it's closer than you think. Known as the "silent killer," high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a life-threatening condition that currently affects a billion people around the world. In the United States, it's the most commonly diagnosed medical condition, affecting 1 in 3 adults. And a recent report issued by 14 leading medical groups and health organizations around the world predicts a 60% rise in diagnosed cases (to 1.15 billion) by 2025. Hypertension is often described as "silent" because it generally has no symptoms. And even though it is quickly and easily diagnosed (you can test yourself at home), many people don't even know they have it. Hypertension is considered dangerous because, untreated, it can contribute to many serious health conditions, including heart failure, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and blindness.

How is Blood Pressure Measured?

Your heart pumps blood to every part of your body via blood vessels called arteries. The force of the blood pushing against the arterial walls is measured by blood pressure. A blood pressure reading consists of two measurements. Systolic pressure (the "top number") indicates the force of pressure when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure (the "bottom number") indicates the pressure between beats, when your heart is at rest. Recognizing the value of early intervention, the United States National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in 2005 issued new blood pressure guidelines. Under the new guidelines, nearly 1 in 4 adults who once were classified as having "normal" blood pressure are now considered "prehypertensive."

Who Is At Risk for Hypertension?

Your blood pressure changes throughout the day. It is lowest when you sleep, and rises when you get up. It can also rise if you get excited or nervous. For most of the day, however, your blood pressure is fairly constant. In nine out of 10 cases, the exact causes of hypertension are unknown. However, risk factors include age, race, family history, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, high sodium intake, low potassium intake, excessive alcohol, and stress.

What You Can Do

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can go a long way in controlling your blood pressure. Some of the things you can do include:

• Reduce your intake of caffeine, sodium, and saturated and trans fats
• Increase your intake of calcium, magnesium, and potassium
• Get regular aerobic exercise
• Reduce stress
• Quit smoking

Since hypertension has no symptoms, be sure to check your blood pressure regularly. For more information on how to manage hypertension naturally, ask your healthcare provider.