High Blood Pressure

Last updated on December 1, 2017

About High Blood Pressure

Excerpt from HealthLink BC:

Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. It's normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day, but if it stays up, you have high blood pressure. Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension.

When blood pressure is high, it starts to damage the blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other problems. High blood pressure is called a "silent killer,'' because it doesn't usually cause symptoms while it is causing this damage.

Learn more at:

Helpful Organizations and Information

Hypertension Canada

Hypertension Canada's mission is to advance health by the prevention and control of high blood pressure through research, advocacy, education and knowledge development and translation.

Resources include an explanation of hypertension, causes, symptoms, blood pressure measuring instructions, and treatment options.

Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based organization, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy.

To learn about hypertensions (high blood pressure), cholesterol, eating well and more tips for heart health and wellness, visit:

Related Information

For more information about ways you can prevent disease and injury or care for specific medical conditions, see: