Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic (when the heart beats) and diastolic (when the heart rests). A normal reading is around 120/80 mmHg, and anything above 130/80 mmHg is considered high.
Hypertension is important to manage because it often has no symptoms but can cause severe long-term damage. Left untreated, it significantly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help control it.
Several factors affect hypertension, including genetics, age, diet, physical activity, stress, and underlying conditions like diabetes. Unhealthy habits such as a high-salt diet, excessive alcohol, smoking, and lack of exercise can also contribute to high blood pressure.
