Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is defined as the systolic pressure (the pressure created when your heart pumps blood to the body) being consistently over 140 mmHg, the diastolic pressure (the pressure inside blood vessels when the heart is at rest and blood fills it) being consistently over 90 mmHg, or both.
Pre-Hypertension
Pre-hypertension is defined as the systolic pressure being consistently between 120 and 139 mmHg, the diastolic blood pressure being consistently between 80 and 89 mmHg, or both. If you have pre-hypertension, then you are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
Pre-Eclampsia
Hypertension in pregnant women is known as pre-eclampsia, and it is a medical emergency.
Classification of Hypertension
Hypertension is classified as either Primary (essential) or Secondary (due to another condition).
Primary Hypertension
About 90-95% of cases are termed "primary hypertension", which refers to high blood pressure for which no medical cause can be found.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension results from an identifiable cause that produces compromise or imbalance of the physiological mechanisms that keep blood pressure in the normal range.
Consequences of Hypertension
Hypertension is chronic disease and a major cause of stroke, cardiac disease, vision problems, and kidney disease. Moderate elevation of blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy.
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