Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a disease that affects millions of people of all kinds. Additionally, although stress and emotional tension can temporarily increase blood pressure; but this will not be considered high blood pressure. Hypertension usually presents without symptoms. This can happen and remain invisible for many years. People, until told by a doctor, usually overlook high blood pressure. People are unaware of how hypertension affects the body, how it is measured, what the symptoms of high blood pressure are, and which people/ethnic groups are more affected by hypertension than others. Recent research has found that underdiagnosed hypertension affects millions and millions of people, from adolescents to the elderly. High blood pressure affects many lives, but most people are unaware of what high blood pressure is. (“Merriam-Webster Dictionary,” 2014) High blood pressure is defined as “abnormally high blood pressure, especially in the arteries.” Also known as hypertension. An individual must know what hypertension is to be able to combat it. (Heart.org 2014) Hypertension occurs when the arteries pump blood to the heart under high pressure, which in turn forces the heart to work even harder to get the blood pumped to the rest of the body. Hypertension is not triggered by stress or emotional tension, but can cause your blood pressure to increase. To know if your blood pressure is normal or high, you will need to know what numbers to look for. (Heart.org 2014) Normal blood pressure for a person is when the systolic pressure is less than 120 and the diastolic pressure is less than 80. Ex: 120/80. Knowing what normal blood pressure is or when blood pressure will be considered pre-hy...... middle of article...... 2012) Some types of medications are diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and alpha-beta blockers. Ex: Lisinopril. To know which drug cocktail is right for you, your doctor can determine. Always see a doctor regularly to ensure the warning signs of high blood pressure are addressed promptly. Understanding blood pressure and being aware of the signs and symptoms will allow people to be better informed about how it affects the heart and body. After doing research, I didn't realize how common hypertension is and how most are unaware they have it until something bad happens. I strongly suggest everyone have their blood pressure checked regularly. Since so many Americans have high blood pressure, I'm even more conscious of what I put in my mouth, in addition to my diet and exercise..