Hypertension : controlling the 'silent killer'

An alarming one in three American adults has high blood pressure.

Known medically as hypertension, many people don't even know they have it, because high blood pressure has no symptoms or warning signs.

But when elevated blood pressure is accompanied by abnormal cholesterol and blood sugar levels, the damage to your arteries, kidneys, and heart accelerates exponentially.

Fortunately, high blood pressure is easy to detect and treat.

Sometimes people can keep blood pressure in a healthy range simply by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, increasing activity, and eating more healthfully.

This report details those changes, including a Special Section that features numerous ways to cut excess salt from your diet -- a policy strongly recommended by new federal guidelines.

This report also includes tips on how to use a home blood pressure monitor, as well as advice on choosing a drug treatment strategy based your age and any other existing medical issues you may have.