High Blood Pressure

2012-02-29 08:00:21

What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (HBP) is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), heart failure, stroke,
kidney failure , and other health problems.
"Blood pressure" is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.
Overview
About 1 in 3 adults in the United States has HBP. The condition itself usually has no symptoms. You can have it for years without knowing it. During this time, though, HBP can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of your body.
Knowing your blood pressure numbers is important, even when youre feeling fine. If your blood pressure is normal, you can work with your health care team to keep it that way. If your blood pressure is too high, treatment may help prevent damage to your bodys organs.
Blood Pressure Numbers:
Blood pressure is measured as systolic (sis-TOL-ik) and diastolic (di-a-STOL-ik) pressures. "Systolic" refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. "Diastolic" refers to blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
You most often will see blood pressure numbers written with the systolic number above or before the diastolic number, such as 120/80 mmHg. (The mmHg is millimeters of mercury—the units used to measure blood pressure.)
The table below shows normal blood pressure numbers for adults. It also shows which numbers put you at greater risk for health problems.
Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults (measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg).
Category Systolic:

Normal Less than 120 And Less than 80
Prehypertension 120–139 Or 80–89
High blood pressure:
Stage 1 :140–159 Or 90–99
Stage 2 :160 or higher Or 100 or higher
The ranges in the table apply to most adults (aged 18 and older) who dont have short-term serious illnesses.
Blood pressure doesnt stay the same all the time. It lowers as you sleep and rises when you wake up. Blood pressure also rises when youre excited, nervous, or active. If your numbers stay above normal most of the time, youre at risk for health problems.
All levels above 120/80 mmHg raise your risk, and the risk grows as blood pressure numbers rise. "Prehypertension" means youre likely to end up with HBP, unless you take steps to prevent it.
If youre being treated for HBP and have repeat readings in the normal range, your blood pressure is under control. However, you still have the condition. You should see your doctor and follow your treatment plan to keep your blood pressure under control.
Your systolic and diastolic numbers may not be in the same blood pressure category. In this case, the more severe category is the one youre in. For example, if your systolic number is 160 and your diastolic number is 80, you have stage 2 HBP. If your systolic number is 120 and your diastolic number is 95, you have stage 1 HBP.
If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, HBP is defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher. HBP numbers also differ for children and teens. (For more information, go to "How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?")
Outlook:
Blood pressure tends to rise with age. Following a healthy lifestyle helps some people delay or prevent this rise in blood pressure.
People who have HBP can take steps to control it and reduce their risk of related health problems. Key steps include following a healthy lifestyle, having ongoing medical care, and following your treatment plan.
Other Names for High Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure (HBP) also is called hypertension (HI-per-TEN-shun).
When HBP has no known cause, it may be called essential

hypertension, primary hypertension, or idiopathic (id-ee-o-PATH-ick) hypertension.
When another condition causes HBP, its sometimes called secondary high blood pressure or secondary hypertension.
In some cases of HBP, only the systolic blood pressure number is high. This condition is called isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). Many older adults have this condition. ISH can cause as much harm as HBP in which both numbers are too high.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure tends to rise with age, unless you take steps to prevent or control it.
Some medical problems, such as chronic kidney disease, thyroid disease, andsleep apnea, may cause blood pressure to rise. Some medicines also may raise your blood pressure. Examples include asthma medicines (for example, corticosteroids) and cold-relief products.
In some women, blood pressure can rise if they use birth control pills, become pregnant, or take hormone therapy.
Women taking birth control pills usually have a small rise in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. If you already have high blood pressure (HBP) and want to use birth control pills, make sure your doctor knows about your HBP. Talk with him or her about how often you should have your blood pressure checked and how to control it while taking the pill.
Taking hormones to reduce the symptoms of menopause can cause a small rise in systolic blood pressure. If you already have HBP and want to start using hormones, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. If you decide to take hormones, find out how to control your blood pressure and how often you should have it checked.
Children younger than 10 years old who have HBP often have another condition thats causing it (such as kidney disease). Treating the underlying condition may resolve the HBP.
The older a child is when HBP is diagnosed, the more likely he or she is to have essential hypertension. This means that doctors dont know whats causing the HBP.
Who Is at Risk for High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (HBP) is a common condition. In the United States, about 1 in 3 adults has HBP.
Certain traits, conditions, and habits—known as risk factors—can raise your risk for HBP. The major risk factors for HBP are described below.
Older Age
Blood pressure tends to rise with age. If youre a male older than 45 or a female older than 55, youre at increased risk for HBP. Over half of all Americansaged 60 and older have HBP.
Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is the most common form of HBP in older adults. ISH occurs when only systolic blood pressure (the top number) is high. About 2 out of 3 people over age 60 with HBP have ISH.
HBP doesnt have to be a routine part of aging. You can take steps to keep your blood pressure at a normal level. (For more information, go to "How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?")
Race/Ethnicity
HBP can affect anyone. However, its more common in African American adults than in Caucasian or Hispanic American adults. In relation to these groups, African Americans:
• Tend to get HBP earlier in life
• Often have more severe HBP
• Are more likely to be aware that they have HBP and to get treatment
• Are less likely than Caucasians and about as likely as Hispanic Americans to achieve target control levels with HBP treatment
• Have higher rates than Caucasians of early death from HBP-related problems, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure
HBP risks vary among different groups of Hispanic American adults. For instance, Puerto Rican American adults have higher rates of HBP-related death than all other Hispanic groups and Caucasians. However, Cuban Americans have lower rates of HBP-related death than Caucasians.
Overweight or Obesity
Youre more likely to develop prehypertension or HBP if youre overweight or obese. The terms "overweight" and "obesity" refer to body weight thats greater than what is considered healthy for a certain height.
Gender
Fewer adult women have HBP than adult men. But, younger women (aged 18–59) are more likely than men to be aware of and get treatment for HBP.
Women aged 60 and older are as likely as men to be aware of and treated for HBP. However, among treated women aged 60 and older, blood pressure control is lower than it is in men in the same age group.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Many unhealthy lifestyle habits can raise your risk for HBP, including:
• Eating too much sodium (salt)
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Not getting enough potassium in your diet
• Not doing enough physical activity
• Smoking
Other Risk Factors:
A family history of HBP raises your risk for the condition. Long-lasting stress also can put you at risk for HBP.
Youre also more likely to develop HBP if you have prehypertension. Prehypertension means that your blood pressure is in the 120–139/80–89 mmHg range.
Risk Factors for Children and Teens:
Overweight is on the rise in youth younger than 18 years old. As a result, prehypertension and HBP also are becoming more common in this age group.
African American and Mexican American youth are more likely to have HBP and prehypertension than Caucasian youth. Also, boys are at higher risk for HBP than girls.
Like adults, children and teens need to have routine blood pressure checks, especially if theyre overweight.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (HBP) itself usually has no signs or symptoms. Rarely, headaches may occur.
You can have HBP for years without knowing it. During this time, the condition can damage your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of your body.
Some people only learn that they have HBP after the damage has caused problems, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure .
Knowing your blood pressure numbers is important, even when youre feeling fine. If your blood pressure is normal, you can work with your health care team to keep it that way. If your blood pressure is too high, you can take steps to lower it. Lowering your blood pressure will help reduce your risk for related health problems.
Complications of High Blood Pressure
When blood pressure stays high over time, it can damage the body. HBP can cause:
• The heart to get larger or weaker, which may lead to heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cant pump enough blood to meet the bodys needs.
• Aneurysms (AN-u-risms) to form in blood vessels. An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery. Common spots for aneurysms are the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body; the arteries in the brain, legs, and intestines; and the artery leading to the spleen.
• Blood vessels in the kidney to narrow. This may cause kidney failure.
• Arteries throughout the body to narrow in some places, which limits blood flow (especially to the heart, brain, kidneys, and legs). This can cause aheart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or amputation of part of the leg.
• Blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed. This may lead to vision changes or blindness.
How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?
High blood pressure (HBP) is diagnosed using a blood pressure test. This test will be done several times to make sure the results are correct. If your numbers are high, your doctor may have you return for repeat tests to check your blood pressure over time.
If your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher over time, your doctor will likely diagnose you with HBP. If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered HBP.
The ranges for HBP in children are different, as discussed below.
How Is Blood Pressure Tested?
A blood pressure test is easy and painless. This test is done at a doctors office or clinic.
To prepare for the test:
• Dont drink coffee or smoke cigarettes for 30 minutes prior to the test. These actions may cause a short-term rise in your blood pressure.
• Go to the bathroom before the test. Having a full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
• Sit for 5 minutes before the test. Movement can cause short-term rises in blood pressure.
To measure your blood pressure, your doctor or nurse will use some type of a gauge, a stethoscope (or electronic sensor), and a blood pressure cuff.
Most often, you will sit or lie down with the cuff around your arm as your doctor or nurse checks your blood pressure. If he or she doesnt tell you what your blood pressure numbers are, you should ask.
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure in Children and Teens
Doctors measure blood pressure in children and teens the same way they do in adults. Your child should have routine blood pressure checks starting at 3 years of age.
Blood pressure normally rises with age and body size. Newborn babies often have very low blood pressure numbers, while older teens have numbers similar to adults.
The ranges for normal blood pressure and HBP generally are lower for youth than for adults. To find out whether a child has HBP, a doctor will compare the childs blood pressure numbers to average numbers for his or her age, gender, and height.
For more information, go to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutes "A Pocket Guide to Blood Pressure Measurement in Children."
What Does a Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure Mean?
If youre diagnosed with HBP, your doctor will prescribe treatment. Youll need to have your blood pressure tested again to see how the treatment affects it.
Once your blood pressure is under control, youll still need treatment. "Under control" means that your blood pressure numbers are in the normal range. You also will need regular blood pressure tests. Your doctor can tell you how often you should be tested.
The sooner you find out about HBP and treat it, the better. Early treatment may help you avoid problems such as heart attack, stroke, ankidneyHow Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
High blood pressure (HBP) is treated with lifestyle changes and medicines.
Most people who have HBP will need lifelong treatment. Sticking to your treatment plan is important. It can help prevent or delay problems related to HBP and help you live and stay active longer.
For more tips on controlling your blood pressure, go to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutes (NHLBIs) "Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure."
Goals of Treatment
The treatment goal for most adults is to get and keep blood pressure below140/90 mmHg. For adults who have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the goal is to get and keep blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle habits can help you control HBP. These habits include:
• Following a healthy diet
• Being physically active
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Managing your stress and learning to cope with stress
If you combine healthy lifestyle habits, you can achieve even better results than taking single steps. Making lifestyle changes can be hard. Start by making one healthy lifestyle change and then adopt others.
Some people can control their blood pressure with lifestyle changes alone, but many people cant. Keep in mind that the main goal is blood pressure control.
If your doctor prescribes medicines as a part of your treatment plan, keep up your healthy lifestyle habits. They will help you better control your blood pressure.
Following a Healthy Diet
Your doctor may recommend the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan if you have HBP. The DASH eating plan focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other foods that are heart healthy and low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium (salt).
DASH also focuses on fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products, fish, poultry, and nuts. The DASH eating plan is reduced in red meats (including lean red meats), sweets, added sugars, and sugar-containing beverages. Its rich in nutrients, protein, and fiber.
To help control HBP, you should limit the amount of salt that you eat. This means choosing low-sodium and "no added salt" foods and seasonings at the table or when cooking. The Nutrition Facts label on food packaging shows the amount of sodium in an item. You should eat no more than about 1 teaspoon of salt a day.
You also should try to limit alcoholic drinks. Too much alcohol will raise your blood pressure. Men should have no more than two alcoholic drinks a day. Women should have no more than one alcoholic drink a day. One drink is a glass of wine, beer, or a small amount of hard liquor.
For more information, go to the NHLBIs "Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH."
Being Physically Active
Routine physical activity can lower HBP and reduce your risk for other health problems. Talk with your doctor before you start a new exercise plan. Ask him or her how much and what kinds of physical activity are safe for you.
People gain health benefits from as little as 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. The more active you are, the more you will benefit.
For more information about physical activity, go to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans," the Health Topics Physical Activity and Your Heart article, and the NHLBIs "Your Guide to Physical Activity and Your Heart."
Maintaining a Healthy Weight:
Maintaining a healthy weight can help you control HBP and reduce your risk for other health problems.
If youre overweight or obese, aim to reduce your weight by 5 to 10 percent during your first year of treatment. This amount of weight loss can lower your risk for health problems related to HBP.
To lose weight, cut back your calorie intake and do more physical activity. Eat smaller portions and choose lower calorie foods. Dont feel that you have to finish the entrees served at restaurants. Many restaurant portions are oversized and have too many calories for the average person.
After your first year of treatment, you may have to continue to lose weight so you can lower your body mass index (BMI) to less than 25. BMI measures your weight in relation to your height and gives an estimate of your total body fat.
A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. A BMI of less than 25 is the goal for controlling blood pressure.
You can use the NHLBIs online BMI calculator to figure out your BMI, or your doctor can help you.
For more information about losing weight and keeping it off, go to the Health Topics Overweight and Obesity article.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke or use tobacco, quit. Smoking can damage your blood vessels and raise your risk for HBP. Smoking also can worsen health problems related to HBP.
Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit smoking. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke.
If you have trouble quitting smoking on your own, consider joining a support group. Many hospitals, workplaces, and community groups offer classes to help people quit smoking.
For more information about how to quit smoking, go to the Health Topics Smoking and Your Heart article and the NHLBIs "Your Guide to a Healthy Heart."
Managing Stress
Learning how to manage stress, relax, and cope with problems can improve your emotional and physical health.
Physical activity helps some people cope with stress. Other people listen to music or focus on something calm or peaceful to reduce stress. Some people learn yoga, tai chi, or how to meditate.
Medicines
Todays blood pressure medicines can safely help most people control their blood pressure. These medicines are easy to take. The side effects, if any, tend to be minor.
If you have side effects from your medicines, talk with your doctor. He or she might adjust the doses or prescribe other medicines. You shouldnt decide on your own to stop taking your medicines.
Blood pressure medicines work in different ways to lower blood pressure. Some remove extra fluid and salt from the body to lower blood pressure. Others slow down the heartbeat or relax and widen blood vessels. Often, two or more medicines work better than one.
Diuretics
Diuretics sometimes are called water pills. They help your kidneys flush excess water and salt from your body. This reduces the amount of fluid in your blood, and your blood pressure goes down.
Diuretics often are used with other HBP medicines and sometimes combined into one pill.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers help your heart beat slower and with less force. As a result, your heart pumps less blood through your blood vessels. This causes your blood pressure to go down.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors keep your body from making a hormone called angiotensin II. This hormone normally causes blood vessels to narrow. ACE inhibitors prevent this, so your blood pressure goes down.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin II receptor blockers are newer blood pressure medicines that protect your blood vessels from the angiotensin II hormone. As a result, blood vessels relax and widen, and your blood pressure goes down.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers keep calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels. This allows blood vessels to relax, and your blood pressure goes down.
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers reduce nerve impulses that tighten blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more freely, causing blood pressure to go down.
Alpha-Beta Blockers
Alpha-beta blockers reduce nerve impulses the same way alpha blockers do. However, they also slow the heartbeat like beta blockers. As a result, blood pressure goes down.
Nervous System Inhibitors
Nervous system inhibitors increase nerve impulses from the brain to relax and widen blood vessels. This causes blood pressure to go down.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators relax the muscles in blood vessel walls. This causes blood pressure to go down.
Treatment for Children and Teens
If another condition is causing your childs HBP, treating it often resolves the HBP. When the cause of a child or teens HBP isnt known, the first line of treatment is lifestyle changes (as it is for adults).
If lifestyle changes dont control blood pressure, children and teens also may need to take medicines. Most of the medicines listed above for adults have special doses for children.

How Can High Blood Pressure Be Prevented?
If You Have Normal Blood Pressure
If you dont have high blood pressure (HBP), you can take steps to prevent it. Healthy lifestyle habits can help you maintain normal blood pressure.
• Follow a healthy diet. Limit the amount of sodium (salt) and alcohol that you consume. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutes DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan promotes healthy eating.
• Be physically active. Routine physical activity can lower HBP and reduce your risk for other health problems.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Staying at a healthy weight can help you control HBP and reduce your risk for other health problems.
• Quit smoking. Smoking can damage your blood vessels and raise your risk for HBP. Smoking also can worsen health problems related to HBP.
• Manage your stress and learn to cope with stress. Learning how to manage stress, relax, and cope with problems can improve your emotional and physical health.
Many people who adopt these healthy lifestyle habits are able to prevent or delay HBP. The more lifestyle changes you make, the more likely you are to lower your blood pressure and avoid related health problems.
For more information about healthy lifestyle habits, go to "How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?"
If You Have High Blood Pressure
If you have HBP, you can still take steps to prevent the long-term problems it can cause. Healthy lifestyle habits (listed above) and medicines can help you live a longer, more active life.
Follow the treatment plan your doctor prescribes to control your blood pressure. Treatment can help you prevent or delay coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney disease , and other health problems.
Children and Teens
A healthy lifestyle also can help prevent HBP in children and teens. Key steps include having a child:
• Follow a healthy diet that focuses on plenty of fruits, vegetables, and, for children older than 4 years old, low-fat dairy products. A healthy diet also is low in saturated and trans fats and salt.
• Be active for at least 1 to 2 hours per day. Limit screen time in front of the TV or computer to 2 hours per day at most.
• Maintain a healthy weight. If your child is overweight, ask his or her doctor about how your child can safely lose weight.
Make these healthy habits part of a family health plan to help your child adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Living With High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure (HBP), youll need to treat and control it for life. This means making lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medicines, and getting ongoing medical care.
Treatment can help control blood pressure, but it will not cure HBP. If you stop treatment, your blood pressure and risk for related health problems will rise.
For a healthy future, follow your treatment plan closely. Work with your health care team for lifelong blood pressure control.
Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy lifestyle changes can help control HBP. A healthy lifestyle includes following a healthy eating plan, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. (For more information, go to "How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?")
Medicines
You should take all blood pressure medicines that your doctor prescribes. Know the names and doses of your medicines and how to take them. If you have questions about your medicines, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Make sure you refill your medicines before they run out. Take your medicines exactly as your doctor directs—dont skip days or cut pills in half.
If youre having side effects from your medicines, talk with your doctor. He or she may need to adjust the doses or prescribe other medicines. You shouldnt decide on your own to stop taking your medicines.
Ongoing Care:
If you have HBP, have medical checkups or tests as your doctor advises. Your doctor may need to change or add medicines to your treatment plan over time. Routine checkups allow your doctor to change your treatment right away if your blood pressure goes up again.
Keeping track of your blood pressure is important. Have your blood pressure checked on the schedule your doctor advises.
You may want to learn how to check your blood pressure at home. Your doctor can help you learn how to do this. Each time you check your own blood pressure, you should write down your numbers and the date.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutes (NHLBIs) "My Blood Pressure Wallet Card" can help you track your blood pressure. You also can write down the names and doses of your medicines and keep track of your lifestyle changes with this handy card.
During checkups, you can ask your doctor or health care team any questions you have about your treatments. For possible questions you may want to ask your doctor, go to the NHLBIs Questions to Ask Your Doctor If You Have High Blood Pressure Web page.
High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy
Many pregnant women who have HBP have healthy babies. However, HBP can cause problems for both the mother and the fetus. HBP can harm the mothers kidneys and other organs. It also can cause the baby to be born early and with a low birth weight.
If youre thinking about having a baby and you have HBP, talk with your health care team. You can take steps to control your blood pressure before and while youre pregnant.
Some women get HBP for the first time while theyre pregnant. In the most serious cases, the mother has a condition called preeclampsia (pre-eh-KLAMP-se-ah).
This condition can threaten the lives of both the mother and the unborn child. Youll need special care to reduce your risk. With such care, most women and babies have good outcomes.
Go to the NHLBIs Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure Web site for more information about HBP and pregnancy.
Clinical Trials
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is strongly committed to supporting research aimed at preventing and treating heart, lung, and blood diseases and conditions and sleep disorders.
NHLBI-supported research has led to many advances in medical knowledge and care. However, many questions remain about various diseases and conditions, including high blood pressure (HBP).
The NHLBI continues to support research aimed at learning more about HBP. For example, NHLBI-supported research on HBP includes studies that explore:
• How HBP and its treatments affect brain function in children
• Behavioral approaches to HBP treatment in adults
• The relationship between stress, ethnicity, and blood pressure
• How certain medicines and therapies can help treat and control blood pressure
Much of this research depends on the willingness of volunteers to take part inclinical trials. Clinical trials test new ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat various diseases and conditions.
For example, new treatments for a disease or condition (such as medicines, medical devices, surgeries, or procedures) are tested in volunteers who have the illness. Testing shows whether a treatment is safe and effective in humans before it is made available for widespread use.
By taking part in a clinical trial, you can gain access to new treatments before theyre widely available. You also will have the support of a team of health care providers, who will likely monitor your health closely. Even if you dont directly benefit from the results of a clinical trial, the information gathered can help others and add to scientific knowledge.
If you volunteer for a clinical trial, the research will be explained to you in detail. Youll learn about treatments and tests you may receive, and the benefits and risks they may pose. Youll also be given a chance to ask questions about the research. This process is called informed consent.
If you agree to take part in the trial, youll be asked to sign an informed consent form. This form is not a contract. You have the right to withdraw from a study at any time, for any reason. Also, you have the right to learn about new risks or findings that emerge during the trial.
For more information about clinical trials related to HBP, talk with your doctor. You also can visit the following Web sites to learn more about clinical research and to search for clinical trials:
• http://clinicalresearch.nih.gov
• www.clinicaltrials.gov
• www.nhlbi.nih.gov/studies/index.htm
• www.researchmatch.org
For more information about clinical trials for children, visit the NHLBIs Children and Clinical Studies Web page.
Links to Other Information About High Blood Pressure
NHLBI Resources
• "A Pocket Guide to Blood Pressure Measurement in Children"
• DASH Eating Plan (Health Topics)
• "My Blood Pressure Wallet Card"
• Physical Activity and Your Heart (Health Topics)
• Smoking and Your Heart (Health Topics)
• "Your Guide to a Healthy Heart"
• Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure
• "Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure"
• "Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure With DASH"
Non-NHLBI Resources
• High Blood Pressure (MedlinePlus)
• Essential Hypertension: Interactive Tutorial (MedlinePlus)
Clinical Trials
• Clinical Trials (Health Topics)
• Current Research (ClinicalTrials.gov)
• NHLBI Clinical Trials
• NHLBI Pediatric Clinical Trials
• NIH and Clinical Research (National Institutes of Health)
• ResearchMatch (funded by the National Institutes of Health)