WHO: High blood pressure can be dangerous if not addressed

A new report from the World Health Organization says people need to be aware of the dangerous effects of high blood pressure.

The report concluded that high blood pressure impacts 33% of adults worldwide and is leading risk for death and disability.

Since it is considered a common medical issue that often does not have symptoms, many people only discover they have high blood pressure when it is checked.

Data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows only 22% of people who have high blood pressure have it under control.

If not addressed, doctors say it can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney damage.

Health experts say the condition can be extremely risky for pregnant women and is a factor in nearly 700 pregnancy-related deaths a year in the United States.

Earlier this week, a task force called for expanded screenings for pregnant women.