This text provides information about high blood pressure, including its definition, diagnosis, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Here are the main points: **Definition**: High blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. **Diagnosis**: Blood pressure is usually diagnosed with regular checks from a healthcare provider using a gauge, stethoscope, or electronic sensor, and a blood pressure cuff. **Risk Factors**: * Age * Race/Ethnicity (African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure) * Weight (overweight/obesity increases risk) * Sex (men before age 55, women after age 55 are more likely to develop high blood pressure) * Lifestyle habits (eating too much sodium, not enough potassium, lack of exercise, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking) * Family history **Prevention Strategies**: * Eating a healthy diet (limiting sodium, increasing potassium, eating foods lower in fat, plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) * Getting regular exercise (moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at least 2.5 hours/week or vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise for 1 hour/15 minutes/week) * Being at a healthy weight * Limiting alcohol consumption (men: no more than 2 drinks/day, women: no more than 1 drink/day) * Not smoking * Managing stress (exercising, listening to music, focusing on something calm or peaceful, and meditating) **Importance of Follow-up Care**: If you already have high blood pressure, it's essential to prevent it from getting worse or causing complications by following your prescribed treatment plan and regular medical care.