What Is High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (HBP) is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), heart failure, stroke, 
kidney failure, and other health problems.


"Blood pressure" is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.






Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults (measured in millimeters of mercury,or mmHg )




Category          ------ systolic ---------------------(Distolic
                                                                    (Botton number )
Normal----------------Less than 20-------------Ana----------Less than 80
prehypertension-----120---139-------------------or-----------80-89.

   High Blood Pressure

Stage,1 ---------------140--159------------or------------90--99
stage,2---------------160 or Higher------or-------------100 or Higher.




The ranges in the table apply to most adults (aged 18 and older) who don't have short-term serious illnesses.


Blood pressure doesn't stay the same all the time. It lowers as you sleep and rises when you wake up. Blood pressure also rises when you're excited, nervous, or active. If your numbers stay above normal most of the time, you're at risk for health problems.


All levels above 120/80 mmHg raise your risk, and the risk grows as blood pressure numbers rise. "Prehypertension" means you're likely to end up with HBP, unless you take steps to prevent it.


If you're being treated for HBP and have repeat readings in the normal range, your blood pressure is under control. However, you still have the condition. You should see your doctor and follow your treatment plan to keep your blood pressure under control.


Your systolic and diastolic numbers may not be in the same blood pressure category. In this case, the more severe category is the one you're in. For example, if your systolic number is 160 and your diastolic number is 80, you have stage 2 HBP. If your systolic number is 120 and your diastolic number is 95, you have stage 1 HBP.


If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, HBP is defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher. HBP numbers also differ for children and teens. (For more information, go to "How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?")

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