This is because the overwhelming majority of people with it have no symptoms. Nevertheless, it results in strokes, heart failure, heart attacks and death. Even though doctors call it hypertension, it doesn't necessarily correspond with feeling tense. The only way to find out if you have it is to have your blood pressure checked. The good news is that for most people it can be easily treated to reduce the chance of getting one of these dreaded complications.
Lifestyle modifications can lower blood pressure.
Stopping smoking, exercise, weight loss and avoidance of large amounts of alcohol are the first steps. The best way to avoid salt is to not add salt to what you are eating or cooking. Try to avoid foods that are particularly high in salt such as delicatessen, Chinese food, snack foods and certain canned and frozen foods. Some over the counter medications may also be high in sodium. A high dietary intake of potassium, calcium and magnesium as well as protein and fiber has also been shown to lower blood pressure.