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. You are never too young to monitor your blood pressure. If you wait until your middle years to do something about your blood pressure, you will have lost years of prevention. And, you may have lost years of active, healthy living. You can reduce your risk for heart disease by taking control of your blood pressure.