What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Hypertension is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms but can cause significant damage to the body over time if left untreated.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently elevated.

Normal blood pressure values are considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently elevated to 140/90 mmHg or higher.

Hypertension can be a primary condition, known as essential hypertension, or it can be secondary to another underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease or endocrine disorders.

Sustained high blood pressure can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to various complications such as:

1. Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure
2. Weakening of the arteries, leading to aneurysms
3. Kidney damage, including chronic kidney disease
4. Damage to the eyes, including retinopathy
5. Cognitive impairment and dementia