Blood Pressure

Getting Started

Know Your Risks

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Determine your risk for developing CAD using this assessment tool.

Blood Pressure Basics See AllWhy Control Blood Pressure? See AllChecking Blood Pressure See AllBlood Pressure and Other Conditions See All

Basic Anatomy of the Heart in Blood Pressure Basics

Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of a fist. ...more

High Blood Pressure/Hypertension in Blood Pressure Basics

High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk for coronary heart disease (heart attack) and stroke (brain attack). Read on for details about this condition. ...more

High Blood Pressure: Kids Can Have It, Too in Blood Pressure Basics

High blood pressure, isn't limited to those 18 and older. Here's what you need to know about high blood pressure and your child. ...more

The Lowdown on Low Blood Pressure in Blood Pressure Basics

Healthcare providers often consider chronically low blood pressure too low only if it drops suddenly or causes noticeable symptoms. ...more

Eating Healthier See All

How to Make Heart-Healthy Food Choices in Eating Healthier

Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease and other heart conditions. ...more

Calculating Calories and Fat Grams in Eating Healthier

Managing High Blood Pressure with the DASH Diet in Eating Healthier

Following the DASH diet reduces blood pressure. This diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat. And it emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Read on to learn more about it. ...more

Diet to Help Prevent Heart Disease in Eating Healthier

The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet. ...more

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease in Eating Healthier

Omega-3s are a beneficial and essential form of fat, one that your body needs but can't make. ...more

Finding Out Your Body Mass Index (BMI) in Eating Healthier

Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat. ...more

Components of Food in Eating Healthier

When trying to make heart-healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet, it is helpful to know some basics about nutrition. ...more

Getting Exercise See All

Exercise: Before Starting an Exercise Program in Getting Exercise

It's always important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program. This is especially true if you have certain health conditions. ...more

Creating an Exercise Program in Getting Exercise

To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise several times a week. ...more

Health Risks of Not Being Physically Active in Getting Exercise

Lack of physical activity is a risk factor for many health problems. Read on to learn more about these risks, and how to get started being active. ...more

Have a Hearty Workout for Your Heart in Getting Exercise

Read on for helpful tips about heart-smart exercise....more

Strength Training and Heart Disease in Getting Exercise

If you think that you can't begin a strength-training program because you have heart disease, think again. ...more

Exercise Your Way to a Healthy Heart in Getting Exercise

Physical inactivity is just as big a risk factor for heart disease as high blood pressure and smoking are. So, be the exception rather than the rule. Read on for some great ways to exercise for a healthier heart. ...more

Losing Weight See All

Finding Out Your Body Mass Index (BMI) in Losing Weight

Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat. ...more

Exercise and Eat Smart to Keep the Weight Off in Losing Weight

People who keep lost weight off tend to have several habits in common. Here are strategies that can help you be a successful long-term loser. ...more

Maintaining Weight Loss in Losing Weight

Keeping extra weight off needs effort and commitment, just as losing weight does....more

Managing Stress See All

Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease in Managing Stress

Mental stress does more than diminish your sense of well-being. It also can increase your risk for heart disease. ...more

The Power of Meditation in Managing Stress

Meditation allows you to become more aware and more deliberate about your actions. It teaches you how to respond rather than react to situations in your life. ...more

Making Changes to Prevent Heart Disease in Managing Stress

Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. Unfortunately, many people don't treat it that way. They may not realize that their daily habits and lifestyle can overwork and damage their heart. So, take care of your heart and yourself. Start by making the following lifestyle changes. ...more

Quitting Smoking, Limiting Alcohol See All

Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease in Quitting Smoking, Limiting Alcohol

Smoking tops the list of risk factors for heart disease. Learn more about how smoking affects your heart--as well as helpful tips to quit smoking. ...more

Alcohol and Your Heart in Quitting Smoking, Limiting Alcohol

Alcohol may have some health benefits, including lowering the risk for heart disease, but it may also lead to abusive drinking and other diseases. ...more

Alcohol and Older Adults in Quitting Smoking, Limiting Alcohol

Many older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV. But alcohol can affect older adults differently. Here's what you should know. ...more

Taking Medication See All

All About Blood Pressure Medicine in Taking Medication

Several kinds of medicine are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Here are some of the main types. ...more

Medicines for Coronary Artery Disease in Taking Medication

These medicines make it easier to take care of coronary artery disease. They have helped many people stay healthy and prevent heart attacks. ...more

Did You Take Your Blood Pressure Medicine Today? in Taking Medication

When you miss a dose of your blood pressure medicine, you might not notice a difference. But your body does. ...more

Tips for Managing Your Medicines in Taking Medication

How many different medicines do you take? Most people with heart failure or other cardiovascular illnesses take several. ...more

Use Your Medicines Wisely in Taking Medication

Although most medicines are safe when you take them the right way, some of them can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, bleeding, irregular heartbeats, and other side effects in some cases. ...more

Interactive Tools See All

Adult BMI Calculator

Experts are increasingly urging people to know their BMI, a figure that takes into account not just weight but also height to indicate body fat....more

Cost of Drinking Calculator

Drinking can be an expensive habit. While you may not notice a dollar here or two dollars there, consider how much you spend per week and per year on alcohol....more

Blood Pressure Quiz

Do you know your risk factors for high blood pressure? You can’t do anything about some risk factors. But other risk factors can be changed. Learn about the risk factors for high blood pressure by taking this quiz....more

Medicine Interaction Quiz

True or false: An interaction between alcohol and a medicine can lead to extreme drowsiness and other effects. Do you know the answer to this and other questions about medicine interaction?...more