High blood pressure

High blood pressure is a type of heart disease known medically as hypertension. The condition involves the long-term and consistent elevation of the pressure in the blood vessels and is often referred to as the "silent killer" because of its asymptomatic nature.

There are several genetic and environmental causes of high blood pressure, including high salt and cholesterol diet, stress, obesity, and cigarette smoking. Currently tens of millions of people harbor the condition, many without knowing they need to make changes to their diet and exercise habits to extend their lives. If left untreated, high blood pressure can damage the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels of the brain.

Main image: Sphygmomanometer and cuff

Thumbnail: Ventricular hypertrophy by Patrick J. Lynch for Yale University School of Medicine

Causes of hypertension

by Tarek Musslimani

The etiology of hypertension is not known nor it is known why individuals get hypertension. It is believed however, that a genetic predisposition is suspected since hypertension runs in families and in relatives. There are many reasons that cause hy... More>

Hypertension symptoms

by G. A. Sylverston

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is frequently referred to as "The Silent Killer" in today's society, and for good reason. Many people are not aware that they have a problem, when they are indeed afflicted with high blood pressure. Quite a numb... More>

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

by Erich Rosenberger M.D.

High blood pressure is one of the major health risks in America today. It is a silent killer which often has very few symptoms until it becomes severe enough to cause significant damage to your body. High blood pressure can effect many organs in you... More>

High blood pressure in children

by Dossie M Terrell

The American Family Physician (AFP) takes a critical look at high blood pressure, or primary and secondary hypertension, in children in its April 1, 2012 edition. Primary hypertension is common in children who are obese or have a family history of t... More>

Google Images

How to lower high blood pressure

by D. Vogt

High blood pressure adds to the body's internal wear and tear, and essentially is an indicator that there is more trouble ahead: in other words, people with high blood pressure are more at risk of developing such dangerous conditions as heart diseas... More>

Explaining high blood pressure

by Eve Redstone

High blood pressure or hypertension is when you have your blood pressure measured and it is higher than the doctor thinks it should be. The ideal blood pressure varies but generally it is too high when it is more than 140/90. The top number is known... More>

Blood Pressure Measurements

Blood pressure, to put it simply, is the force of the blood against the artery wall when the heart pumps. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), much like air pressure. A sphygmomanometer is an external blood pressure measuring device - it uses an air filled cuff to compess and test the pressure in blood vessels, usually on the arm, but sometimes on the wrist or leg.

The definition of hypertension is under constant study and revision, but currently the following is generally true in most practice:

Systolic	Diastolic	Condition
<90	<60	Hypotension
120	80	Average blood pressure
130-139	80-89	Pre-hypertension
>140	>90	Hypertension

Flag Inappropriate Content

Quick Facts

Causative agent: Physiological disorder, not communicable

Basic symptoms: Generally asymptomatic until advanced, sometimes dizziness and headaches

Organ system(s) affected: Blood vessels - heart, kidney, brain

Diagnosis: Routine blood pressure monitoring (>140/90 mmHg)

Treatment: Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), varying pharmaceutical therapy

Long-term effects if not controlled: Coronary artery disease (heart attack), stroke, kidney failure, aneurysm (hemorrhage), congestive heart failure