All About High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. The force is generated with each heartbeat as blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels. The size and elasticity of the artery walls also affect blood pressure. Each time the heart beats (contracts and relaxes), pressure is created inside the arteries. High blood pressure, or hypertension, directly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. But high blood pressure can be controlled. Listen as Dr. Jeff Sparling, cardiologist for INTEGRIS Health, explains.