Hypertension
- What it is
Hypertension refers to high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it circulates through your body. It is represented by two numbers called the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure represents the pressure when the heart contracts. A normal systolic blood pressure is less than 140mmHg. The diastolic blood pressure represents the pressure when the heart relaxes. A normal diastolic blood pressure is less than 90mmHg.
Hypertension refers to a systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg and above, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg and above.
Health problems may arise if blood pressure remains high for a long time. Untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
