In simple language Hypertension may mean great mental stress. In medical terms Hypertension refers to constant high blood pressure for long periods. It is a condition where the heart beats become faster than normal.

The heart in the human body is the pumping station for blood and due to presence of some substances or any underlying conditions; the function of the heart is disturbed resulting in faster heartbeats and high blood pressure. This condition is known as Hypertension.

The heart is the main organ of the circulatory system of the human body. Its function is to pump deoxygenated blood from all parts of the body and re-supply oxygenated blood again to the body. The arteries (like pipes) help in the pumping of blood. Due to some reason the force or pressure of blood flow in the arteries increases thus leading to an increase in the workload of the heart, causing it to beat faster than normal. This state of high blood pressure is Hypertension.

The normal reading for blood pressure changes on the higher side which shows that a person is at a risk of developing Hypertension because he or she is in the ‘pre-Hypertension’ stage. The cause may be diet or sedentary lifestyle or any other underlying condition.

Based on the cause, the types of Hypertension can be classified in 2 types:

Essential Hypertension: Due to unknown cause.

Secondary Hypertension: Due to known cause, like kidney disease.

The causes of Hypertension include:

Smoking, being Obese, diet which includes more salt, alcohol consumption, stress, old age, genetics or Family history of blood pressure, lack of physical activity, some other chronic condition like kidney diseases and thyroid disorders.

There may be no symptoms for a long time, but symptoms which may develop include:

• Severe headache, fatigue and confused state of mind.
• Visual disturbances, chest pain and difficulty in breathing.
• Irregular heartbeats and pounding in the ears, chest and neck.
• Blood in urine.

Most of the times the symptoms are absent, hence blood pressure is also known as the silent killer. Hypertension is high blood pressure which is greater than 140-90.

The doctor may suggest a test like echocardiogram and electrocardiogram which will show the pattern of heartbeats.

In addition the family medical history may help in diagnosing the state of Hypertension. The General Practitioner may guide you and a Cardiologist is the expert to be consulted.

There is no cure but high blood pressure or Hypertension is manageable.

Most of the times high blood pressure and the consequent Hypertension is a lifestyle disease which can be managed and controlled by changing the dietary habits and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Less intake of salt, no processed or canned food, weight management, no smoking and no alcohol consumption, 30 minutes of daily physical activity, more intake of calcium and magnesium rich food all help in controlling blood pressure.

Hypertension or high blood pressure can affect anyone but more men than women are victims. The instances of high blood pressure or Hypertension are high in the urban area due to the sedentary lifestyle and diet. The pressure to perform takes its toll on youngsters and in recent times many in the age group below 40 are being affected.

Singing sensation Toni Braxton had to make changes in her diet and lifestyle to control her high blood pressure reading of 160-105.She is motivated by the fact that many people are suffering from this state and have to control the same.