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Main > Specialty Areas > Cardiology >
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a medical term for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured by two numbers, the Systolic Pressure (first or higher number) and Diastolic Pressure (second or lower number). If the Systolic Pressure is above 140 mmHg and/or the Diastolic Pressure is above 90 mm then it's considered high blood pressure or Hypertension. If the blood pressure stays high for a long period of time, it may damage your heart, blood vessels and pose other health hazards.
Hypertension without a known cause is called "Primary Hypertension" or "Essential Hypertension." The remaining 5-10% of patients with high blood pressure have a known cause and they are considered to have "Secondary Hypertension." Hypertension can develop from kidney disease, endocrine diseases, atherosclerosis, etc. Smoking, excessive drinking, and a high-fat diet can result in Hypertension as well.
Excessive stress may also contribute to the development of hypertension. However, hypertension from stress is not a joking matter. If not treated, hypertension from too much stress may take its toll on the body and lead to the development of serious health conditions.
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