High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed in two numbers. The first, systolic blood pressure, measures pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The second, diastolic blood pressure, measures pressure in the arteries between beats.
Hypertension can result from a variety of factors, including:
Hypertension is often called a "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms until it has significantly damaged the heart and arteries. Some people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but these symptoms aren't specific and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.
Managing high blood pressure involves lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco use. Medications may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and others as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysms, and kidney damage. Therefore, early detection and management are crucial.
Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to their narrowing and hardening. This can increase vascular resistance and lead to elevated blood pressure levels, thereby contributing to hypertension.