High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. The arteries are the vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all of the tissues and organs of the body. Hypertension does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase the blood pressure. High blood pressure is generally defined as a level exceeding 140/90 mm Hg that has been confirmed on multiple occasions. The systolic blood pressure, which is the top number, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the circulation. The diastolic pressure, which is the bottom number, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure, therefore, reflects the minimum pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart (cardiac) disease, kidney (renal) disease, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), eye damage, and stroke (brain damage). These complications of hypertension are often referred to as end-organ damage because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. Accordingly, the diagnosis of high blood pressure in an individual is important so that efforts can be made to normalize the blood pressure and, thereby, prevent the complications.

More commonly known as high blood pressure, hypertension means your body is working harder than usual to pump blood to your heart. Because of the greater strain or workload, the heart eventually overworks itself to the point where there is damage to itself. Hypertension can be brought on by a number of factors, from genetics to excessive weight to heavy salt intake. Treatment can be sought to bring the pressure down to normal levels. If left untreated, it can lead to a host of other ailments, such as heart failure, kidney failure, vision problems and stroke.

There are no obvious symptoms of hypertension but generally any of these may be experienced: tiredness, confusion, vision changes, chest pain, blood in urine, nosebleed, irregular heartbeat and buzzing in the ears.