The observance of World Hypertension Day provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness about hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure (HBP).  This condition is often called a “silent killer” because many people who succumb to its complications often do not even know they have it.  An estimated 1.5 billion people in the world have HBP and about 7 million people die every year as a result.  Other than advancing age, HBP is the most powerful risk factor for stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and it is second only to diabetes as the leading cause of end-stage kidney failure.  Knowing your blood pressure is important because most complications can be prevented if high blood pressure is detected early, treated, and controlled. When your blood pressure is measured you will be given two numbers (for example, 120/80). If your first number is always less than 120 and the second... Read more