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Hypertension

Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure (HBP), is classified as having abnormally high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and readings are usually given as two numbers. For instance, 140 over 90 (written as 140/90). The top number is your systolic pressure-this measurement is the result of the pressure created when your heart beats. It is high if it is regularly over 140. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure-this number represents the pressure inside the blood vessels when the heart is at rest. It is high if it is regularly over 90.

Ongoing hypertension can cause blood vessel changes in the retina (back of the eye), unusual thickening of the heart muscle, brain damage, and kidney failure.

Specialist

Consult a Primary Care Physician first

Helpful Links

http://www.hypertensionfoundation.org/home.cfm

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