Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, happens when the force of blood against the walls of our blood vessels is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The top number is called the systolic pressure and represents the force when the heart is contracting. The bottom number is called the diastolic pressure and represents the force when the heart is at rest.

When someone has hypertension, it means that their blood pressure readings consistently exceed the healthy range. Hypertension can be caused by various factors, including genetics, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and stress.

If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and damage to blood vessels. That’s why it’s essential for individuals with hypertension to manage their condition through lifestyle modifications (such as eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise) and sometimes with medication.