Chronic High Blood Pressure
https://www.cdc.gov â prevention
https://www.cdc.gov â management
https://www.heart.org/ risks
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When a person's blood pressure reading is high (systolic pressure is 130 or higher, OR diastolic pressure is 80 or higher) at two or more separate appointments, the result is a Hypertension diagnosis. Hypertension is the medical term for chronic high blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. Blood pressure is highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood, and is called systolic pressure. When the heart relaxes between beats, the blood pressure falls, which is called diastolic pressure. A blood pressure of 120/80 means a systolic of 120 and a diastolic of 80. Less than 120/80 is considered normal for most people.
There are two main types of Hypertension, Primary or Essential and Secondary.
Some factors can put you at higher risk for Hypertension (high blood pressure), including:
Unfortunately, Hypertension usually has no symptoms, earning it the nickname, "the silent killer." While a few people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, these signs and symptoms are not specific, and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage. The only way to know if you have Hypertension is to get regular blood pressure checks from your healthcare provider. "}]},{"component":"hc_column
For many people, making healthy changes and forming healthy lifestyle habits can prevent high blood pressure and protect against heart disease and stroke.
Left uncontrolled Hypertension can lead to the following complications:
Image Source: heart.org
