An Introduction to Hypertension
(High Blood Pressure)October 14, 2008 Print-friendly version
Email this article | Page 1 | What is Hypertension?
| | Page 2 | How do I monitor my blood pressure?
| | Page 3 | How does the body maintain "normal" blood pressure?
| | Page 4 | What causes high blood pressure?
| | Page 5 | How is hypertension treated? (continued)
| | Page 6 | Sources of Information
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What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition where an individual has high blood pressure. When the heart pumps, blood is pushed through the blood vessels. The blood that is pushed by the heart causes the blood vessels to stretch and relax as the heart pumps and relaxes. When the heart pumps, the pressure in the blood vessels is highest and this is referred to as systolic blood pressure. A systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg to 139 mmHg (millimeters of mercury on the measurement machine) is called prehypertension. A value greater than 139 mmHg is seen in hypertension. When the heart is in a relaxed mode, the heart is filling with blood from the body and lungs. During this relaxed mode, the blood pressure in the vessels is lower at around 80 mmHg or less and this is referred to as the diastolic blood pressure. A diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg to 89 mmHg is in the prehypertension range. A value greater than 89 mmHg is seen in hypertension.
Blood pressure (BP) is divided into classifications that are summarized below:
BP Classification
| Systolic (mmHg) |
Diastolic (mmHg) |
Category |
| Less than 120 |
Less than 80 |
Normal BP |
| 120-139 |
80-89 |
Prehypertension |
| 140-159 |
90-99 |
Stage 1 Hypertension |
| Equal to or greater than 160 |
Equal to or greater than 100 |
Stage 2 Hypertension |
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