PUBLISHED DECISION GUIDE
Q&As on Hypertension: Understanding Blood Pressure
Learn about the definition, risks, and symptoms of high blood pressure.
Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a common condition. This guide answers key questions about its causes, dangers, and what you can do to manage it.
Independently written English guidance based on cited public sources. Every public guide is human reviewed; it is not an official translation of the source publisher.
What is raised blood pressure (hypertension)?
Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure, putting them under increased stress. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the vessels, which carry the blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump.
Normal adult blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure of 120 mm Hg when the heart beats (systolic) and a blood pressure of 80 mm Hg when the heart relaxes (diastolic). When systolic blood pressure is equal to or above 140 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure equal to or above 90 mm Hg, the blood pressure is considered to be raised or high.
- Most people with hypertension have no symptoms at all; this is why it is known as the 'silent killer'.
- Sometimes hypertension causes symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations of the heart and nose bleeds, but not always.
Why is raised blood pressure dangerous?
The higher the blood pressure, the higher the risk of damage to the heart and blood vessels in major organs such as the brain and kidneys. Hypertension is the most important preventable cause of heart disease and stroke worldwide. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to a heart attack, an enlargement of the heart and eventually heart failure. Blood vessels may develop bulges (aneurysms) and weak spots that make them more likely to rupture.
Public sources
Editorial process
Editorial review and corrections
This guide received human editorial review. Use its public sources and review date to assess the current information boundary.
Request an editorial correction