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What is hypertension exactly?
Home » Diseases » Hypertension » What is hypertension exactly?Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Your blood pressure is the force that is exerted by the bloodstream onto the artery walls. When you have high blood pressure, it is basically like a build up of water pressure in a garden hose. This is obviously not good for your blood vessels. Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120 systolic (when the heart pumps) and 80 diastolic (when the heart rests). While most people experience a periodic and temporary rise in blood pressure due to stress, those who suffer from hypertension have permanent high blood pressure. To be considered as having high blood pressure, your numbers would be greater than or equal to 140 systolic and 90 diastolic.
When you have hypertension, the blood vessels become too tight and constricted for the blood. Your heart then has to work over-time to get the blood moving through your body. These changes cause built-up pressure on the artery walls and can ultimately lead to heart attacks and stroke. When the heart is forced to work extra hard for an extended amount of time, it tends to enlarge. Your heart can function well if it is only slightly enlarged, but not if it is significantly enlarged. You should always check with your doctor about any symptoms that you are experiencing to get properly diagnosed.
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