African-Americans tend to develop high blood pressure at a younger age, and to develop more severe high blood pressure. The rate of kidney failure caused by high blood pressure in African-Americans is more than 6.5 times higher than in Caucasians. Elevated blood pressure frequently causes no symptoms at all, although some people may experience dizziness, headaches or nose bleeds. High blood pressure can affect anyone at any age, although it is much less frequent in children. Regular blood pressure checkups should begin in childhood and continue throughout life.
Many effective drugs are available for treating high blood pressure.
Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising regularly and stopping smoking may be enough to regulate blood pressure.