High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High Blood Pressure (HBP) or Hypertension is higher pressure exerted by blood that is flows in the arteries.

The heart supplies oxygenated blood to the various parts of the body through the arteries. The pressure exerted by the flowing blood in the arteries is referred to as blood pressure. Blood pressure in the arteries has a systolic value (when the heart contracts to pump the blood) and a diastolic value (when the heart is relaxed and not pumping any blood). 

High Blood Pressure (HBP) or Hypertension is defined as systolic value ≥ 140 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) or Diastolic value ≥ 90 mmHg. Blood pressure is considered normal when systolic value < 120 mmHg and diastolic value < 80 mmHg. A person is considered pre-hypertensive if his systolic blood pressure values are 120 – 139 mmHg or diastolic values 80 – 89 mmHg. A pre-hypertensive person is likely to develop HBP, unless proper steps are taken to prevent it.

People with pre-hypertension or HBP are at an increased risk of developing Kidney Diseases, Ischemic Heart Disease or Heart Failure.