Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is a serious condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. Hypertension is a complex multifactorial and often asymptomatic disorder that affects nearly one-third of adults worldwide. It's a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The exact causes of hypertension are usually unknown, but several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, too much salt in the diet, too much alcohol consumption, stress, older age, genetics, family history of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and adrenal and thyroid disorders.

Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and has two numbers. The first (or top) number represents the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats (systolic pressure). The second (or bottom) number represents the pressure in your vessels when your heart rests between beats (diastolic pressure). Normal blood pressure for adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80. Elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 120 to 129 with a diastolic pressure still less than 80.

Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of 130 or higher or a diastolic pressure of 80 or higher that stays high over time. Hypertension is typically a chronic condition that gradually causes damage over the years. In fact, a person can live with hypertension for years without any symptoms. However, even without symptoms, high blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels and organs, especially the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys. Early detection is important. Regular blood pressure readings can help your doctor detect any changes. If your blood pressure is elevated, your doctor may have you check your blood pressure over a few weeks to see if the number stays elevated or falls back to normal levels. Treatment for hypertension includes both prescription medication and healthy lifestyle changes. If the condition isn't treated, it could lead to health issues, including heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle changes can help lower high blood pressure, including losing weight, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, reducing the amount of salt in your diet, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol, and reducing stress. However, sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough.

In addition to diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood pressure. The types of drugs used to treat hypertension include diuretics, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, alpha-beta blockers, central agonists, peripheral adrenergic inhibitors, and vasodilators. Each type of drug works in different ways and has different side effects. Hypertension is often diagnosed during a visit to a health professional or during a routine physical exam. Individuals with high blood pressure should monitor their blood pressure regularly. This can be done at home using a home blood pressure monitor.

In conclusion, hypertension is a serious health condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems. It's important to get your blood pressure checked regularly, and if it's consistently high, to manage it effectively. This can be done through a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.