What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is commonly referred to as High Blood Pressure.  Blood Pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it circulates through your body.  Blood fills the arteries to a certain capacity similar to how water fills a garden hose.  High Blood Pressure is too much force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it circulates through your body.  High Blood Pressure can damage arteries and lead to life-threatening conditions such as Heart Failure, Angina,​ Stroke, Heart Attacks, and Renal Failure.

The following figures are designed to categorize the stages of hypertension:

  • Normal: Less than 120/80
  • Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89
  • Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159/90-99
  • Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

 

There are generally not signs or symptoms of Hypertension.  This is what makes hypertension such a dangerous condition.  Hypertension is known as the "silent killer."  The only way to be sure that you do not have Hypertension is to check your blood pressure on a regular basis. 

Some individuals that have high blood pressure may experience symptoms including:

  • Severe Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Chest Pain
  • Irregular Heartbeat.

 

If you have any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.