Hypertension-FAQ.com

<p>Arterial hypertension simply refers to having an arterial blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg in persons 18 years old or more.  You know that you have arterial hypertension when you take your blood pressure in an interval of 15 minutes while at rest and still consistently get a high reading.</p>

<p>Arterial hypertension is caused by arterial pressure buildup.  Arterial pressure refers to the force exerted by the heart to pump blood and the resistance encountered by the blood as it is transported to different parts of the body.  Arterial pressure is affected by different factors like the thickness of the blood and heart rate.</p>

<p>Arterial hypertension can be systolic or both systolic and diastolic.  About 90 to 95% of the adult population may have primary arterial hypertension while only 5% have secondary arterial hypertension.  This condition is usually observed in persons who are overweight or obese.  Diabetics and the elderly also have a higher risk for arterial hypertension.</p>

<p>If not treated properly, arterial hypertension can cause complications in your health and may even damage some of your organs.  Among the complications that can result from unmanaged and untreated arterial hypertension are hemorrhage, hypertensive encephalopathy, and infarction in the central nervous system; development of ischemic cardiopathy or angina in the heart; heart failure; renal failure; and nephrosclerosis.</p>

<p>In some cases, the eyes also become affected when the person with arterial hypertension develops retinopathy.  This condition reduces or impairs a person’s sight.  Other effects include clogging of the carotid arteries and development of aneurysm.  Some persons may also suffer from peripheral vascular disease.</p>

<p>One of the things you can do to avoid arterial hypertension is to have a regular checkup.  You should also stay informed about this condition, its causes, its symptoms, and its effects.  When you visit your doctor, you can ask him or her to explain what blood pressure is and what the normal blood pressure level is.  You can also ask your doctor about the possible effects of untreated arterial hypertension.</p>