Keep track of your blood pressure

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure also can result in other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness.

A blood pressure level of 140/90 or higher is considered high. About two-thirds of people over age 65 have high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 139/89, then you have prehypertension. At this level, you don't have high blood pressure now but are likely to develop it in the future.

You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure. Consider the following steps to a healthy lifestyle:

• Follow a healthy eating pattern.
• Reduce salt and sodium in your diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Be physically active.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Quit using tobacco.
  

Source: National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute