HYPERTENSION

WHAT IS HYPERTENSION

Hypertension or High Blood pressure is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may lead to severe complications and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and deat.

Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure. A person can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues and can be detected. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure generally develops over many years, and it affects nearly everyone eventually. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it.

Ranges of Blood Pressure

Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal blood pressure Less than 120 Less than 80
Elevated Between 120 and 129 Less than 80
Stage 1 hypertension Between 130 and 139 Between 80 and 89
Stage 2 hypertension At least 140 At least 90
Hypertensive crisis Over 180 Over 120
Primary hypertension Secondary hypertension
Also called essential hypertension. Often occurs quickly
Develops over time with no identifiable cause. Can become more severe than primary hypertension
Common type of high blood pressure. Conditions that cause: kidney disease,
obstructive sleep apnea, congenital
heart defects, problems with your
thyroid, side effects of
medications, use of illegal drugs,
alcohol abuse or chronic use, adrenal gland problems,
certain endocrine tumors.
Conditions that cause: Genes, Physical changes, Lifestyle.