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Blood pressure refers to the force or pressure that is exerted on the body's arteries as blood flows through them. Each time the heart beats or contracts, it produces pressure in the arteries. This blood pressure is what moves blood through the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to every organ. When the heart contracts, it sends blood out into the body. This pressure is referred to as systolic. The pressure that is created as the heart pulls blood back through it is called diastolic. Blood pressure is recorded as systolic over diastolic.

Normal blood pressure is a reading less than 120/80. Pre-hypertension is anything between 120-139/80-89. Someone with high blood pressure, or hypertension, has a reading greater than 140/90.

High blood pressure contributes to the deaths of nearly 38,000 Americans per year and contributes to the deaths of thousands more through stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause irreversible kidney damage. It is the second leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States. Seeking early treatment is the key to preventing the potentially serious consequences of hypertension.