Essentials of Hypertension: How to Gain Control

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of the people in the U.S. have hypertension.

Unfortunately, half of the victims don't even know they have suffer and could run the risk of heart attack, stroke and other life-threatening emergencies.

Hypertension occurs when you have abnormally high blood pressure that causes your arteries to persistently have elevated blood pressure. You can have hypertension for many years without any symptoms, giving it the name the "Silent Killer."

However, there are some symptoms to watch out for if your blood pressure readings come back higher than normal.

For instance, if you're constantly feeling dizzy or get light headed when you stand up, if you're ankles are swollen, if you wake yourself up from snoring gasping for air or if you have chronic nosebleeds, you might be suffering from hypertension.

If you have high blood pressure, you need an action plan.

Talking to your physician about what your blood pressure should be for you to be your healthiest, making sure you know your blood pressure, measuring your medications, and losing some weight can all help you lower your blood pressure.

Dr. Christine Lee joins Dr. Mike to discuss the warning signs, foods that can raise blood pressure, and an action plan for making simple changes that can lower your blood pressure naturally.