Maybe you’re one of those people who never even think about your blood pressure except when you’re at the doctor’s office for a check-up. That might be a mistake, however, especially as you’re getting older or if others in your family suffer from high blood pressure. The reality is, high blood pressure can silently plague you, without notable symptoms, until serious damage occurs, like heart failure, organ damage, stroke or kidney failure. While you may think you’re safe from those dangers, the reality is you may not know until it’s too late. For a comprehensive overview of high blood pressure and its implications, roll up your sleeve and read here.

And while family history is important in assessing your risk of high blood pressure, so, too, is diet and lifestyle, as this recent research out of Johns Hopkins found. Experts also agree that it’s critical to get an accurate understanding of your blood pressure in order to determine the precise treatment to keep you healthy and keep your blood pressure under control. Dr. Leslie Kernisan utilizes a six-step process with her patients to determine the best high blood pressure therapy for each individual. And you may also want to heed the warnings of Dr. Peter Ubel, of Duke University, who has a list of questions you should ask your doctor if high blood pressure has been diagnosed. Dr. Ubel wants to make sure you are treated when you should be, but not overtreated when it’s not necessary. Read his advice here.