Hypertension definition: Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. [10] . High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms itself. [1] . Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure. The Systolic pressure would be the first readings viz. a pressure by which the heart pumps blood through the body, and second readings would be the Diastolic pressure, meaning a pressure at which the heart relaxes and refills the blood. What is high blood pressure or hypertension? The American Heart Association provides information on high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and how to monitor, treat and prevent high blood pressure. For decades, high blood pressure was defined as 140/90 mm Hg. In November, 2017, new United States guidelines lowered the threshold for diagnosing the condition. According to new guidelines, anyone with a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher has blood pressure. Based on this new definition, nearly half of Americans now fall into this group. Blood pressure is now categorized as follows: Normal: less than 120/80 mm Hg Elevated: 120/80 to 129/79 mm Hg Stage 1 hypertension: 130/80 to 139/89 mm Hg ...