What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) and How Does It Affect You?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured using two values: systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (when the heart rests between beats). A reading higher than 130/80 mm Hg is considered high. Hypertension often has no obvious symptoms, which is why it's called the "silent killer." Over time, the increased pressure can damage blood vessels, leading to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
The effects of untreated high blood pressure can be severe. The constant strain on the heart and arteries can cause the heart to work harder, which may lead to conditions such as heart failure or aneurysms. It also increases the risk of plaque buildup in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can further obstruct blood flow. When blood vessels in the brain become damaged, the risk of stroke increases. Kidney damage is another consequence, as high blood pressure can harm the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their function.
