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# Hypertension

hy·per·ten·sion - hy-per-TEN-shun

## Definition

Hypertension is the medical term for [high blood pressure](/conditions/hypertension) - a condition where the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. [Blood pressure](/glossary/blood-pressure) is measured in two numbers: systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic (the pressure when your heart rests between beats). Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg, while hypertension is generally defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher.

Your blood vessels are flexible tubes designed to expand and contract as blood flows through them. When blood pressure is chronically elevated, it puts excessive strain on the artery walls, damaging them over time and forcing your heart to work harder than it should. This extra workload causes the heart muscle to thicken and stiffen, eventually weakening its ability to pump efficiently.

Hypertension is called the "silent killer" because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until significant damage [has](/glossary/hyaluronic-acid) already occurred to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, or brain. The only reliable way to know if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure measured regularly. Fortunately, hypertension is highly manageable through a combination of lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, medication.

## Also Known As

High blood pressure HBP HTN 

## Key Facts

-   • Nearly half of all American adults - about 116 million people - have hypertension. 
-   • Only about 1 in 4 adults with hypertension have their condition under control. 
-   • Hypertension is the single largest risk factor for stroke worldwide. 
-   • Reducing sodium intake, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly lower blood pressure. 
-   • Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day - a single high reading doesn't necessarily mean you have hypertension. 
-   • Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and dementia. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

If your doctor has told you your blood pressure is elevated, understanding hypertension helps you appreciate why treatment is important even though you feel fine. Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages blood vessels throughout the body, accelerating [atherosclerosis](/glossary/atherosclerosis) and increasing the risk of life-threatening [cardiovascular](/glossary/cardiovascular) events.

Lifestyle modifications - including the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop [Hypertension](/conditions/hypertension)), regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, reducing sodium, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight - can reduce [blood pressure](/glossary/blood-pressure) by 10-20 mmHg in some people, which is comparable to a single blood pressure medication.

## Related Terms

[Atherosclerosis](/glossary/atherosclerosis)[Myocardial Infarction](/glossary/myocardial-infarction)[Cholesterol](/glossary/cholesterol)[Metabolic Syndrome](/glossary/metabolic-syndrome)

## Related Conditions

[

### Hypertension

Cardiovascular 

Hypertension is a chronic condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. It is often called the 'silent killer' because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Headaches Shortness of breath Nosebleeds 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/hypertension)[

### Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiovascular 

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, where the heart's upper chambers beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers. This increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.

Heart palpitations Fatigue Dizziness or lightheadedness 

Episodic Learn More 

](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation)[

### Heart Failure

Cardiovascular 

Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to back up in the lungs, abdomen, and extremities. It does not mean the heart has stopped but rather that it cannot meet the body's needs.

Swelling in legs and ankles Persistent cough or wheezing Fatigue and weakness 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/heart-failure)

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### Sleep Hygiene: 12 Evidence-Based Tips

2025-09-15

## Sources

1.  [High Blood Pressure](https://www.cdc.gov/blood-pressure/) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2.  [Understanding Blood Pressure Readings](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings) - American Heart Association
3.  [High blood pressure (hypertension)](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410) - Mayo Clinic

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