Hypertension

Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body.

Blood pressure readings are usually given as two numbers -- for example, 120 over 80 (written as 120/80 mmHg). One or both of these numbers can be too high.

The top number is called the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure.
•
Normal blood pressure is when your blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg most of the time.

•
High blood pressure (hypertension) is when your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or above most of the time.

•
If your blood pressure numbers are 120/80 or higher, but below 140/90, it is called pre-hypertension.


If you have pre-hypertension, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

If you have heart or kidney problems, or if you had a stroke, your doctor may want your blood pressure to be even lower than that of people who do not have these conditions.