Student Clinic!: ~HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)~

~HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)~

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Author: ~Meenu~

WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure.

Table 1. JNC 7 Blood Pressure Classification
Blood Pressure Classification	Systolic Blood Pressure, mm Hg	Diastolic Blood Pressure, mm Hg
Normal	< 120	< 80
Prehypertension	120-139	80-99
Stage 1 hypertension	140-159	90-99
Stage 2 hypertension	= 160	= 100

RISK FACTORS

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels.
Although a few people with early-stage high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells or a few more nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms typically don't occur until high blood pressure has reached an advanced — even life-threatening — stage.

COMPLICATIONS

MANAGEMENT

Blood pressure treatment goals*
140/90 mm Hg or lower	If you are a healthy adult
130/80 mm Hg or lower	If you have chronic kidney disease, diabetes or coronary artery disease or are at high risk of coronary artery disease
120/80 mm Hg or lower	If your heart isn't pumping as well as it should (left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure) or you have severe chronic kidney disease

* Although 120/80 mm Hg or lower is the ideal blood pressure goal, doctors are unsure if you need treatment (medications) to reach that level.