Arterial Hypertension

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the principal cause of
mortality in both men and women, especially in developed nations.
The frequency of some risk factors, like arterial hypertension,
promotes changes in the heart and in the blood vessels. Nowadays
the definition of arterial hypertension goes beyond the traditional one of
considering it as only elevated arterial pressure. The idea behind this
is for clinics to focus on evaluating global cardiovascular risk factors,
independently of arterial pressure data, and to identify and to manage
hypertension in an early stage of the disease process.
Definition High blood pressure is abnormally high blood pressure with no known cause. Blood pressure measurements are read as two numbers. The
higher number is called the systolic pressure. The lower number is
called the diastolic pressure. Normal systolic pressure is 120 or less,
and normal diastolic blood pressure is 80 or less.
High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure greater than 140
and/or diastolic pressure greater than 90. People with systolic blood
pressures between 120 and 139, or diastolic pressures of 80 to 89 are
considered “prehypertensive” and need medical monitoring and lifestyle
changes.

High blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys,
and blood vessels. Over time, high blood pressure can damage these
organs and tissues.
(Future article: Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment)