Hypertension  

 

Hypertension means high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls, and it is measured in mmHg (millimetres of mercury). Ideally your blood pressure should be less than 140/90.

 

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers, using a blood pressure machine called a  sphygmomanometer. These numbers represent the systolic pressure (top number), which is when the heart contracts; and the diastolic pressure (bottom number), which is when the heart relaxes.

 

Normal 130/80

Ideal 120/80

Adolescent 16 years 118/75

 

High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, and the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to be tested for it.

 

High blood pressure can cause many different diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including heart attack and stroke.