Hypertension, or chronically high blood pressure, is known as the silent killer because people have it for years and don't know it, until it's too late.
Research shows that reducing blood pressure significantly reduces heart diseases.
Behavioral changes such as weight control, exercise, and diet are helpful in lowering blood pressure. A substance many think of as a dangerous street drug may be useful in treating stroke-related speech problems. Pace yourself with our Target Heart Rate Calculator . Find out with our Body Fat Calculator . Our editors, writers, and medical reviewers continuously refresh this content to give you the most timely and relevant information possible.