High blood pressure (or hypertension) affects 50 million Americans and 1 billion people worldwide. High blood pressure seldom exhibits noticeable symptoms and many people are unaware they have the condition. While warning signs are rare, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack and kidney failure.

Cardiologist Deborah Barbour has developed an eight-step program to help lower or prevent the onset of high blood pressure. Before you start the program, view the introductory video. Dr. Barbour explains what high blood pressure is, what the numbers mean, and how you can tell if you are at risk.

When beginning any new health program it's a good idea to see your doctor first. Get your blood pressure checked. This eight-step program is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for a doctor's medical care.

What is high blood pressure anyway? Watch the video.