Blood pressure becomes dangerous when it's always high. When your weight increases, your blood pressure increases. It is important to stay at a healthy weight. About 15 percent of people between the age of 18-39 are among the 50 million Americans with high blood pressure. And, once you have high blood pressure, you have it for the rest of your life.
Blood pressure is categorized as optimal, normal, high normal and hypertensive.
When you blood pressure is consistently high, damage occurs in the coronary arteries, arteries of the brain and other small arteries of the body. Some people may require medication to decrease blood pressure. High blood pressure can be treated and controlled, but not cured. Treatment includes lifestyle changes listed above and, if needed, medication. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.