
Hypertension
High blood pressure, originally the target for a drug Shkreli later repurposed.
First Mentioned
10/18/2026, 3:40:58 AM
Last Updated
10/18/2026, 3:45:40 AM
Research Retrieved
10/18/2026, 3:45:40 AM
Summary
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a persistent medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. While often asymptomatic, it is a significant risk factor for serious health issues including stroke, heart disease, heart failure, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and dementia, contributing to premature death globally. Hypertension is categorized as either primary (essential), accounting for 90-95% of cases and linked to lifestyle and genetic factors, or secondary, representing 5-10% of cases caused by identifiable conditions like kidney disease or endocrine disorders. Lifestyle factors such as excessive salt intake, obesity, smoking, inactivity, and alcohol consumption increase the risk of primary hypertension. Blood pressure is measured by systolic and diastolic numbers, with normal resting blood pressure generally below 120/80 mmHg. Persistently elevated readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher are classified as high blood pressure. Globally, hypertension affects 33% of the population, and about half of those affected are unaware of their condition. In 2019, it was a contributing factor in 19% of all global deaths. Treatment involves lifestyle modifications like weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes, and if necessary, blood pressure medications, which can effectively manage the condition in most individuals and improve life expectancy.
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View on WikipediaHypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms itself. It is, however, a major risk factor for stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide. High blood pressure is classified as primary (essential) hypertension or secondary hypertension. About 90–95% of cases are primary, defined as high blood pressure due to non-specific lifestyle and genetic factors. Lifestyle factors that increase the risk include excess salt in the diet, excess body weight, smoking, physical inactivity, and alcohol use. The remaining 5–10% of cases are categorized as secondary hypertension, defined as high blood pressure due to a clearly identifiable cause, such as chronic kidney disease, narrowing of the kidney arteries, an endocrine disorder, or the use of birth control pills. Blood pressure is classified by two measurements, the systolic (first number) and diastolic (second number) pressures. For most adults, normal blood pressure at rest is under 120 millimeters mercury (mmHg) systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic, elevated blood pressure is between 120 and 129 mmHg systolic and under 80 mmHg diastolic and high blood pressure is present if the resting blood pressure is persistently at or above 130/80 (stage 1) or 140/90 (stage 2) mmHg. Different numbers apply to children. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over a 24-hour period appears more accurate than office-based blood pressure measurement. Lifestyle changes and medications can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of health complications. Lifestyle changes include weight loss, physical exercise, decreased salt intake, reducing alcohol intake, and a healthy diet. If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, blood pressure medications are used. Up to three medications taken concurrently can control blood pressure in 90% of people. The treatment of moderately high arterial blood pressure (defined as >160/100 mmHg) with medications is associated with an improved life expectancy. The effect of treatment of blood pressure between 130/80 mmHg and 160/100 mmHg is less clear, with some reviews finding benefit and others finding unclear or no benefit. High blood pressure affects 33% of the population globally. About half of all people with high blood pressure do not know that they have it. In 2019, high blood pressure was believed to have been a factor in 19% of all deaths (10.4 million globally).
Web Search Results
- Hypertension | Heart Health | World Heart Federation
It accounts for about half of all heart disease and stroke-related deaths worldwide. Hypertension does not cause any symptoms on its own, which is why it’s often referred to as “the silent killer”. Hypertension is a condition that occurs when your blood pressure increases to unhealthy levels. It affects one billion people worldwide, or one in four adults, and is the number on risk factor for death globally. [...] Blood pressure is typically represented by two numbers. The top number is your systolic blood pressure, which is the measurement of the force in the arteries as your heart pumps blood. The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure, or the measurement of the force in the arteries as your heart is relaxing or refilling. An ideal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80 millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day depending on the time of day and what you are doing. ### What is hypertension? Hypertension is a condition where your blood pressure is consistently high, which can potentially cause damage to your heart, brain and other important organs. It is defined as any blood pressure that is equal to or greater than 140 over 90 mmHg. [...] World Heart Federation Donate English Français Español Arabic Bulgarian Danish German Greek Finnish Indonesian Italian Hebrew Japanese Korean Dutch Norwegian Polish Portuguese Russian Swedish Thai Turkish Vietnamese Chinese (Simplified) ## Search Tell us what you're searching for? Hit enter to view and filter all results Donate English Français Español Arabic Bulgarian Danish German Greek Finnish Indonesian Italian Hebrew Japanese Korean Dutch Norwegian Polish Portuguese Russian Swedish Thai Turkish Vietnamese Chinese (Simplified) # Hypertension Hypertension is the number one risk factor for death globally, affecting more than 1 billion people.
- Hypertension
World Health Organization World Health Organization Africa Americas South-East Asia Europe Eastern Mediterranean Western Pacific Home # Hypertension ## Key facts ## Overview Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not treated. People with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms. The only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked. Things that increase the risk of having high blood pressure include: Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may still need to take medicines.
- Hypertension - Wikipedia
hypertension"), increased resistance to blood flow (total peripheral resistance) accounts for the high pressure while cardiac output remains normal. There is evidence that some younger people with prehypertension or 'borderline hypertension' have high cardiac output, an elevated heart rate and normal peripheral resistance, termed hyperkinetic borderline hypertension. These individuals may develop the typical features of established essential hypertension in later life as their cardiac output falls and peripheral resistance rises with age. Whether this pattern is typical of all people who ultimately develop hypertension is disputed. The increased peripheral resistance in established hypertension is mainly attributable to structural narrowing of small arteries and arterioles, although a [...] Hypertension is slightly more frequent in men. In people aged under 50 years, more men than women have hypertension, and in ages above 50 years the prevalence of hypertension is the same in men and women. In ages above 65 years, more women than men have hypertension. Hypertension becomes more common with age. Hypertension is common in high, medium, and low-income countries. It is more common in people of low socioeconomic status. Hypertension is around twice as common in diabetics. In 2019, rates of diagnosed hypertension were highest in Africa (30% for both sexes), and lowest in the Americas (18% for both sexes). Rates also vary markedly within regions with country-level rates as low as 22.8% (men) and 18.4% (women) in Peru and as high as 61.6% (men) and 50.9% (women) in Paraguay. [...] Hypertension, defined as elevated blood pressure over several visits, affects 1% to 5% of children and adolescents and is associated with long-term risks of ill-health. Blood pressure rises with age in childhood, and, in children, hypertension is defined as an average systolic or diastolic blood pressure on three or more occasions equal or higher than the 95th percentile appropriate for the sex, age, and height of the child. High blood pressure must be confirmed on repeated visits, however, before characterizing a child as having hypertension. In adolescents, it has been proposed that hypertension is diagnosed and classified using the same criteria as in adults. ## Prevention [edit]
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Symptoms & Causes
## What Is High Blood Pressure? Anatomy of artery with blood pushing against vessel wall Image content: This image is available to view online. View image online ( Hypertension (high blood pressure) means the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. Healthcare providers in the U.S. diagnose hypertension when your systolic (top) blood pressure number is 130 or higher, or your diastolic (bottom) number is 80 or higher. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition in which the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. This makes your heart work harder to pump blood. Over time, hypertension damages your blood vessels and heart, leading to serious complications, like a heart attack or stroke. Advertisement [...] Lifestyle and dietary changes — like moving around more and reducing sodium intake — can lower your blood pressure (BP) to a safer level. You may also need antihypertensive medications and/or treatment for underlying conditions. Healthcare providers measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A normal BP is below 120/80 mmHg. The hypertension threshold varies based on where you live. In the U.S., providers define it as: A top number (systolic BP) of 130 mmHg or higher, OR A bottom number (diastolic BP) of 80 mmHg or higher A systolic BP between 120 and 129 mmHg is considered “elevated blood pressure” and can develop into hypertension with time. In Europe, providers define hypertension as a top number of 140 or higher, or a bottom number of 90 or higher. [...] ### How is high blood pressure treated? Hypertension treatments include medications to lower your blood pressure and changes to your daily habits (lifestyle changes). Common medications prescribed for high blood pressure include diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors and ARBs. Your healthcare provider will recommend the right treatment plan for you based on your blood pressure readings, the cause of high blood pressure and any other conditions you may have. In general, lifestyle changes are a key part of treatment for everyone. This is true even if you’re taking medicine. In some cases, providers recommend making changes for a while before starting medication. It depends on your medical history and risk for a heart attack or stroke.
- Essential Hypertension - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
by AM Iqbal · 2023 · Cited by 406 — The current definition of hypertension (HTN) is systolic blood pressure (SBP) values of 130 mm Hg or more and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of more than 80
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Hypertension Center, 424, East 70th Street, Lenox Hill, Manhattan Community Board 8, Manhattan, New York County, New York, 10021, United States
Coordinates: 40.7659053, -73.9558158
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