What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure or hypertension means a condition in which blood is transfused throughout the body at high pressure.

What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Types of High Blood Pressure

There are two types of high blood pressure:

·         Primary High Blood Pressure

·         Secondary High Blood Pressure

Primary High Blood Pressure

Primary or essential high blood pressure is the most common type of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure often develops over the years as a person gets older.

Secondary High Blood Pressure

Secondary high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition or the use of certain medications. This type is usually resolved after the treatment or removal of the cause.

Other Names for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (HBP) is also called high blood pressure (HI-per-TEN-shun). When HBP has no known cause it can be called high blood pressure, high blood pressure or high idiopathic blood pressure. When another condition causes HBP it is sometimes called secondary hypertension.

Risks of High Blood Pressure

Risks of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is present when blood pressure exceeds 140/90mmHg. It is one of the most dangerous risk factors for coronary artery disease and hemorrhage. Untreated high blood pressure can often lead to long-term damage to various organs, especially the heart and blood vessels, leading to stroke, heart disease or kidney failure.

What Is Considered High Blood Pressure?

If your doctor regularly reads your blood pressure as 140/90mmHg (millimeter of mercury) or more you will find that you have high blood pressure.

Children and High Blood Pressure

Children and High Blood Pressure

While most common in adults, hypertension is becoming more common in children and teens. Kidney or heart problems can cause high blood pressure in children, but also lifestyle habits such as poor diet, obesity and lack of exercise. In addition, boys are at greater risk than girls.