Hypertension is high blood pressure, It is a major health problem. In the United States about 50 million people age 6 and older have HTN. Hypertension is a serious medical condition because it may lead to a Heart condition, Stroke as well as many other health related complications.
Hypertension occurs when arterioles, small blood vessels that branch of from the arteries, become constricted making it difficult for blood pressure to pass through them. As a result, blood pressure rises causing your heart to work harder. Normal blood pressure would be 120/80. If blood pressure is higher than 140/90 on several readings, you may have HTN. The blood pressure is measured in Systolic and Diastolic. When the Heart beats is called systolic pressure and when it rests it is called diastolic pressure and it is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The Heart Association considers blood pressure less than 140/90 normal for adults.
Automatic brachial sphygmomanometer showing grade ...
A medical student checking blood pressure using a ...
English: This 28 year old woman presented with con...Hypertension is more common in men than women. More than half of all Americans over the age of 65 have hypertension. It is more common in African American than in White Americans. HTN in some cases may experience headaches or dizziness in the morning but for most no symptoms at all.
The most reliable way is to have a regular blood pressure checked regularly and a physical done. A diagnosis, of HTN is given when multiple high blood pressure readings. Hypertension is a serious medical condition because when in high risk patient, can lead to a heart disease, arteriosclerosis, Stroke, enlarged heart and kidneys damage.
Arterioscleriosis is hardening of the arteries. High blood pressure can make the artery walls thicken and harden, then the inside of the blood vessel narrows. Cholesterol and fats build up on walls of damaged arteries making them even narrower. Blood clots...