According to the AARP website, 690 million people worldwide have hypertension (high blood pressure). Even those with blood pressure in the normal range have a 90 percent chance of developing hypertension after they reach age 55.

Having high blood pressure -- a condition that afflicts 31.3 percent of U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- can lead to serious consequences, such as increased risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is a risk factor for serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. The University of Maryland Medical Center defines hypertension as having a systolic blood pressure above 140 mm Hg, and a diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg, or both.

Creatinine is a waste product that forms when creatine is broken down. The kidneys are responsible for eliminating this waste product from the body, so blood creatinine levels are an important indicator of kidney function. If blood creatinine levels are too high, it can indicate a decline in kidney function.

There are quite literally hundreds of different medications to treat high blood pressure, but many commonly prescribed hypertension drugs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays.

Diuretics help improve your rate of urination. They are often used to flush the body of toxins and salt and to help with various health maladies that may cause water retention. Though diuretic medications like pamabrom and thiazide will work effectively, some fruits offer similar diuretic effects.

Bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl after a bowel movement is an indicator of rectal bleeding. Bleeding from any area of your digestive tract or finding blood in your stool warrants a consultation with your physician to determine the cause.

Tachycardia is a rapid heart beat. Your heart normally beats from 60 to 100 times per minute when you are in a resting state of non-exertion. A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute at rest is considered too fast, and is a case of tachycardia.

Having high cholesterol and high blood pressure increases your risk of developing cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerosis, a stroke and a heart attack. There are some over-the-counter medications and supplements you can take to help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure or both.

Because of gravity, your legs may not receive the best circulation, especially if you have to be on your feet or sit at a computer for eight or more hours every day.

According to the American heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of disease-related death. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two major risk factors that contribute to the development of heart disease.

Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure or hypertension generally has few noticeable symptoms of its own.