Hypertension is considered to be a serious problem, and millions of people throughout the world are living with this problem. It is responsible for the high disability and mortality rate. In general terms, hypertension is known as high blood pressure. Blood pressure is defined as a force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls. High blood pressure is a condition which occurs when the pressure in the arteries is higher than the normal level.
Normally, the blood pressure should be 120/80mm, but when the blood pressure is higher than 130/80, it is known as high blood pressure. Most often, high blood pressure has no signs or symptoms and this is one of the main reason why it can be dangerous. Many times, people living with high blood pressure are not aware of it. Therefore the management of blood pressure is extremely important. Regular checkup of the blood pressure is recommended.
Risk factors of high blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
Hypertension is of two types – primary and secondary hypertension.
1. Primary hypertension – It is also known as essential hypertension and it means high blood pressure that results from an unknown cause. Most patients having high blood pressure have primary hypertension.
2. Secondary hypertension – It is a rare type of hypertension and it means there is a defined cause of high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is associated with many complications. High blood pressure becomes an emergency when it starts causing damage to the affected parts of the body. A person whose blood pressure is severely high requires immediate treatment. Some of the problems that can occur in people having high blood pressure include:
