Hypertension

Overview
Causes
Symptoms
Treatments (3 treatments reviewed)

Hypertension Overview:

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, refers to a chronically high amount of force applied to the walls of arteries as blood flows through them.  Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is usually reported as systolic/diastolic, such as 120/80, referring to the peak pressure at systole (contraction of the heart) and at diastole (relaxation between contractions), respectively.

High blood pressure is defined by the American Heart Association as systolic pressure above 140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure above 90 mm Hg, although hypertension is broken down into three distinct classes:

• Prehypertension - Prehypertension is not classified as a disease, but rather a designation for those at risk of developing hypertension.  Prehypertension is classified as systolic pressure between 120 and 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg, as defined by the JNC 7 (The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure).
  
• Stage 1 Hypertension - Systolic pressure between 140 and 159 mm Hg or diastolic pressure between 90 and 99 mm Hg.
  
• Stage 2 Hypertension - Systolic pressure at or above 160 mm Hg or diastolic pressure at or above 100 mm Hg.
  

As reported by the Mayo Clinic website, "blood pressure is normal if it's below 120/80 mm Hg".  The Mayo Clinic also suggests, however, that "115/75 mm Hg should be the gold standard".

Hypertension Causes:

High blood pressure is classified as either essential hypertension or secondary hypertension.  In the case of essential hypertension, a specific medical cause can not be determined for the person's high blood pressure, although salt or alcohol intake, genetics, occupation, and obesity are believed to be contributors to high blood pressure.  Secondary hypertension refers to high blood pressure as a result of another condition such as kidney disease or certain tumors.

Hypertension Symptoms:

Most people with high blood pressure do not report any symptoms, although those with severe hypertension may experience headaches, blurred or impaired vision, fits, or black-outs.

Hypertension Treatments

We have compiled a list to help you compare leading Hypertension treatments and cures before you buy.