Hypertension – Overview

Transcript

What is hypertension? Hypertension or high blood pressure is a very common condition that occurs when your blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels as the blood makes its way to various parts of the body. You can think of these vessels as a highway that blood uses to reach its destinations, such as the brain, the heart, the kidneys, and other organs. If your blood pressure is high, this can damage the blood vessels or highways as well as damage the organs, which are the destinations of the end of the highways. If your blood pressure is high, it can be a sign that your organs may be working harder than they should be. And that can have short and long-term effects on your body. You may not know this, but your blood pressure changes throughout the day, depending on what you’re doing. Something as simple as stress can increase your blood pressure. Over time, the blood pressure, if left uncontrolled, can lead to permanent damage to your body. That’s why it’s so important to stay proactive and know your blood pressure status. High blood pressure can affect anyone, from children to elders. If you or a loved one has high blood pressure, talk with your doctor to control your blood pressure so that you’re better able to live a long, healthy life.