|
|
Article: High Blood Pressure; Key Q&A.(questions and answers)(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Article from:
- NWHRC Health Center - High Blood Pressure
- Article date:
- March 15, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 National Women's Health Resource Center. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
What exactly is hypertension?
Hypertension is also called high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the pressure inside your arteries that harmlessly pushes the blood to your body's organs and muscles so they can receive the oxygen and nutrients they need. Blood pressure is variable -- it rises and falls during the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it is called high blood pressure or hypertension. A blood pressure reading at or above 140 systolic or 90 diastolic (presented 140/90) is considered hypertensive.
What causes hypertension?
No one knows for sure, although a number of factors are thought to contribute to it, such as ...