Definition:

Hypertension is another word used for high blood pressure. If left untreated it can put you at risk for heart disease, kidney disease and other organ failures.

Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers:

• The top number is called your systolic pressure; it is created when you heart contracts and beats. It is considered high if it consistently stays over 140.
• The bottom number is your diastolic pressure. This is the pressure created when your heart is relaxed or at rest.

Stages of high blood pressure:

Pre-hypertension Stage is when your blood pressure reads 120/80-139/89. This could be the beginning signs of you getting high blood pressure.

Stage I hypertension is when your blood pressure reads 140/90-159/99.

Stage II is when your blood pressure reads 160/100.

Your blood pressure readings may change throughout the day. Your blood pressure usually is lower when you sleep and rises when you are going through your usual activities during the day.

Symptoms:

Most people do not experience any symptoms with high blood pressure. This is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

Symptoms that may occur:

• Confusion
• Chest pain
• Buzzing in your ears
• Irregular heart beat
• Tiredness
• Nosebleed
• Vision changes

If you should have a severe headache or any of the above symptoms you should notify your doctor right away this could indicate that your blood pressure is dangerously high.

Treatment:

Your doctor will do a physical exam and check your blood pressure. He may check your blood pressure several times to confirm that you have this problem. He may recommend you to loose weight, exercise and follow a healthy diet to help bring down your blood pressure to a normal range. He may also put you on a blood pressure medication to help lower your blood pressure thus reducing your risk of complications.