Definition of Hypertension

Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure, sometimes also called arterial hypertension, is a chronic medical condition with increased blood pressure in the arteries. This increase causes the heart to work harder than normal to circulate blood through the veins. Blood pressure involves two measurements, systolic and diastolic, depending on whether the muscle of the heart contracts (systolic) or relaxes between beats (diastole). Normal blood pressure at rest is in the range of systolic (upper reading) 100-140 mmHg and diastolic (lower reading) 60-90 mmHg. High blood pressure occurs when the constant is at 140/90 mmHg or more.

Hypertension hypertension divided into primary (essential) hypertension or secondary. Approximately 90-95% of cases classified as "primary hypertension," which means high blood pressure with no obvious medical cause. Other conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart, or endocrine system causing 5-10% of cases (Secondary hypertension) .

Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, arterial aneurysm (eg aortic aneurysm), peripheral arterial disease, and causes of chronic kidney disease. Even a modest increase in arterial blood pressure associated with a shorter life expectancy. Changes in diet and lifestyle can improve blood pressure control and reduce the risk of health-related complications. Despite this, the drug is often necessary for some people if lifestyle changes alone prove ineffective or insufficient.