Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is a common health issue that can lead to serious complications. Hence, it is also known as "silent killer" as typically there are no noticeable symptoms.  Systolic and diastolic blood pressure are two key components of a blood pressure reading, typically expressed as a fraction (e.g., 120/80 mm Hg).  Systolic BP (the top number) is pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood and Diastolic BP (bottom number) is pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats and is filling with blood.  It is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.  Many factors lead to development of hypertension (age, genetics, lifestyle, other chronic conditions, medications).  Best way to prevent high blood pressure is following a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding foods rich in sodium, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake.  Once you recognize you have hypertension it is important to discuss with your physician the next steps on treatment.  There are various medications available which are very effective at treating high blood pressure.  Treatment choice depends on many factors (age, ethnicity, blood tests).  Routine checkup with your primary care physician is the best way to detect hypertension and treat as necessary.