Hypertension

Hypertension is another term for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the tension in the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. When blood pressure is high, it can lead to other medical problems including heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, or hardening of the arteries.http://www.medicinenet.com/high_blood_pressure/article.htm

There are three types of hypertension. Primary hypertension, or essential hypertension, is high blood pressure that occurs when there is no known cause. Secondary hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure problems were caused by an existing medical condition. The final type of hypertension is defined as an elevated pressure of only the top number, or systolic pressure. This type is referred to as isolated systolic hypertension.http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/h/hypertension/subtypes.htm

Hypertension typically exhibits no symptoms. Some people do not know they have it until it progresses. If blood pressure gets extremely high, some symptoms may come along with it, including headaches, a throbbing heart, chest pain, trouble breathing or being able to see, or being confused or tired.http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-symptoms-high-blood-pressure

Treatments for hypertension have to do mostly with the patient changing the way they live. Losing weight, quitting smoking, getting more exercise, and eating healthier are all ways to lower blood pressure to a normal level.http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-treatment-overview Medications are often utilized to compliment lifestyle changes in order to treat hypertension.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs