Systolic blood pressure reading greater or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure reading greater or equal to 90 indicates high blood pressure.

Research indicates high blood pressure cannot be detected, as it usually does not have any symptoms. Even if some do exist, these symptoms are usually mild and imprecise. People who have high blood pressure typically would not know it until their blood pressure is measured. That's why high blood pressure is often labeled "the silent killer."

Symptoms for high blood pressure are noticeable in very few people. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea, which also indicate chronic fatigue, making a high blood pressure diagnosis that much more difficult.

High blood pressure can go undetected for years, since in most cases there are no external symptoms, resulting in progressive damage to major organs like the heart, kidney, liver and blood vessels. It is possible to associate high blood pressure symptoms with the secondary causes of high blood pressure or hypertension such as oral contraceptives and other ailments that could result in hypertension or high blood pressure.

Since high blood pressure cannot be detected unless readings are taken, it is possible that organ damaged might be the first sign. Other ailments such as mini stroke, kidney, and liver failure can occur as well as heart disease. The eyes, our most sensitive organ, can also be affected by high blood pressure.

High blood pressure requires immediate medical attention. It can be controlled even if not completely cured. It's a smart idea to have blood pressure monitored regularly for any variations in the readings.