Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when someone’s blood vessel pressure is too high. Blood pressure readings can be categorized in the following ways:
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Normal: Less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic
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Elevated: 120-129 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic
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Hypertension stage 1: 130-139 mmHg systolic or 80-89 mmHg diastolic
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Hypertension stage 2: 140 mmHg or higher systolic or 90 mmHg or higher diastolic
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Uncontrolled hypertension can be dangerous long term, with the potential to cause severe heart damage. It is also one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. Increased blood pressure can thicken the arteries, preventing blood flow and oxygen transport to the heart. As such, hypertension can cause:
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Angina (chest pain)
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Heart attack
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Heart failure
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Irregular heartbeat
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Despite the risks of hypertension, as many as 1.28 billion adults globally have hypertension, with less than half being treated.