Health Info

A disease or medical condition is an abnormal condition of an organism that impairs bodily functions, associated with specific symptoms and signs

 

 

 Hypertension

Definition

High blood pressure also known as Hypertension or HTN or HPN is abnormal blood pressure normally measured in systolic and diastolic. Systolic is is a measurement when heart contracts and diastolic when heart relaxes.  In current usage, the word "hypertension" without a qualifier normally refers to systemic, arterial hypertension

Hypertension is classified into two types

Essential (primary)

Hypertension with visible medical cause  is called essential hypertension and 90%  to 95% of patients suffer this kind of hypertension.

Secondary

A kidney disease or a tumor or another medical problem  causes the secondary hypertension.

Persistent hypertension may lead to  heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure.


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What Is "Normal" Blood Pressure?

Normal: Less than 120/80
Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89
Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

What Causes High Blood Pressure?
The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known. Several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including:

  • Smoking

  • Being overweight or obese

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Too much salt in the diet

  • Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)

  • Stress

  • Older age

  • Genetics

  • Family history of high blood pressure

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Adrenal and thyroid disorders

     

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