High blood pressure can be invisible and silent, so you need to know your numbers. It's important to have your blood pressure checked by a primary care doctor or even at your pharmacy.

Jason Pelton, M.D., a cardiologist with  CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic - Hot Springs, says he's seeing younger patients along with older patients in his clinic, "In your 20s and 30s you may not think much of it, but it gets worse over time," says Dr. Pelton. 

120 over 80 is ideal. If your numbers are greater than 140 over 90, you should be treated by a doctor and will likely need medication.

If your numbers are 180 over 100 or higher, you should seek care immediately. High blood pressure is related to heart disease, heart attacks, stroke and congestive heart failure. Treatment can help keep your heart healthy. 

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