Blood pressure naturally increases with age, and although there is a high chance of developing hypertension throughout life, it doesn't necessarily cause serious harm, much less death. Hypertension is completely treatable, and it can also be prevented. Efforts over several decades, both to increase public awareness-- almost half of people with hypertension don't even know it-- and to study and treat this disease, have resulted in a significant decrease in deaths from heart disease and stroke. This book includes information and tools to help you prevent your blood pressure from rising to dangerous levels. Mayo Clinic specialists explain how hypertension develops, how it is diagnosed and treated, how associated conditions can be prevented, and what factors put patients at risk.