What is hypertension?
General information only. This article explains the basics and is not medical advice. For anything about your own health, talk to a doctor or other qualified professional.
Quick answer
Hypertension is the medical name for high blood pressure: the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. It often has no symptoms, but over time it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. The only way to know is to have your blood pressure measured.
What the two numbers mean
A reading such as 120/80 mmHg has two parts:
| Number | Name | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Top (120) | Systolic | Pressure when the heart beats |
| Bottom (80) | Diastolic | Pressure when the heart rests between beats |
Guidelines for what counts as “high” differ slightly between countries. In the US, readings of 130/80 or higher are generally considered high. In the UK, the threshold is usually 140/90 in a clinic. A doctor decides based on several readings, not one.
Why it’s called a “silent killer”
Most people with hypertension feel completely fine. Meanwhile, the extra pressure can slowly damage blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain. Many people find out only after a routine check, which is why regular measurements are recommended for adults.
Common risk factors
- Age: risk rises as you get older
- Family history
- A diet high in salt
- Being overweight
- Not being physically active
- Drinking too much alcohol and smoking
- Long-term stress and poor sleep
- Other conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes
What helps
Health agencies point to lifestyle habits that support healthy blood pressure, such as eating less salt, staying active, keeping to a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, not smoking and sleeping well. When treatment is needed, a doctor will recommend what’s right for the individual.
Blood pressure and cholesterol often go together in heart health. See how to lower cholesterol and how to sleep better.
Sources
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