Hypertension

Hypertension, abnormally high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the pressure that the heart and arteries apply in order to squeeze the blood around the body. In a normal person, when sitting or lying quietly, the blood pressure stays at a steady, or resting, level. In moments of exercise, excitement, anger, or anxiety, the level of blood pressure is raised by te release of adrenaline and other hormones to increase the blood flow to the brain and muscles. In the hypertensive individual, blood pressure remains high; although there may be no immediate symptoms, long-term effects can be serious or fatal, and may include damage to the heart and brain. Causes include diet, kidney disorders, stress, and hereditary factors. Hypertension is treated with diet and medication.

See also: Blood pressure.