What is an increased blood pressure?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition in which the pressure in your arteries is too high. This can put a strain on your heart, blood vessels, and other organs.

Blood pressure is determined by:

- The amount of blood flowing through your arteries

- The resistance to blood flow in your arteries

The higher the volume of blood flowing through your arteries or the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg.

High blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

Factors that can increase your risk of high blood pressure include:

- Age: The risk of high blood pressure increases as you get older.

- Race: African-Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than whites.

- Family history: If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you're more likely to develop it yourself.

- Weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of high blood pressure.

- Physical activity: People who are physically inactive are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

- Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases your risk of high blood pressure.

- Alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.

- Chronic kidney disease: People with chronic kidney disease are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

High blood pressure can lead to several health problems, including:

- Heart attack

- Stroke

- Heart failure

- Kidney failure

- Eye damage

- Erectile dysfunction

If you have high blood pressure, it's important to get treatment to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing these health problems. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. If lifestyle changes aren't enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication.