[Music] high blood pressure also known as hypertension is a very common condition that may occur for many years without any symptoms even without symptoms the damage to your heart arteries and other organ systems is occurring the increased amount of blood pumped by your heart due to the resistance of blood flow through narrowed arteries increases your blood pressure if this goes without treatment there are serious long-term consequences such as heart disease and stroke although hypertension may occur as a primary problem some people develop high blood pressure secondary to underlying medical conditions such as sleep apnea diabetes thyroid problems and genetic mutations illegal drugs and certain prescribed medications can also increase your blood pressure your blood pressure should be taken at least once per year at your annual or preventive exams keep in mind that your blood pressure can fluctuate at different times of day and in response to stress and activity make sure that your blood pressure isn't falsely raised or lowered due to the use of an ill-fitting blood pressure cuff fortunately hypertension is highly amenable to medications and lifestyle changes including the elimination of stress the practice of meditation eating a healthy whole foods diet restricting sugar salt and processed foods maintaining a healthy weight and conditioning the heart through [Music] exercise