What is high blood pressure?

[Jatt]

What is high blood pressure (http://www.indiabook.com/Health/Diseases/)

Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High blood pressure (or hypertension) is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.

High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke, especially when it's present with other risk factors.

High blood pressure can occur in children or adults, but it's more common among people over age 35. It's particularly prevalent in African Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers and women who are taking birth control pills. It may run in families, but many people with a strong family history of high blood pressure never have it. People with diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease are more likely to have high blood pressure, too.

Blood Pressure Category Systolic(mm Hg) Diastolic(mm Hg)
Normal less than 120 less than 80
Prehypertension 120–139 80–89

High
Stage 1 140–159 or 90–99
Stage 2 160 or higher or 100 or higher

[tiadesai]

i would like to add more information to that

There is no "ideal" blood pressure reading. However, there is a range of "normal" blood pressure reading. Generally, a reading that is less than 140 over 90 indicates that you don't need to worry. If either or both numbers are equal to or greater than 140 over 90 for an extended period of time, you have high blood pressure, or hypertension.

Hypertension is dangerous because it causes the heart to work extra hard. This strain contributes to heart attacks and stroke. When the heart is forced to work extra hard for an extended period of time, it tends to enlarge. A slightly enlarged heart can function well, but a significantly enlarged heart cannot. High blood pressure also causes damage to the arteries, causing arterial disease.

Hypertension can be treated. Mild cases of hypertension can be treated through behavior modification like changing diet and increasing exercise. More severe cases of hypertension require medications like diuretics and beta blockers. Diuretics rid the body of excess fluids and salt. Beta blockers reduce the heart rate and the heart's output of blood.

[baboons_in_the_night]

What is orthostatic hypertension?
Is it always fatal? Or can it be treated by applying leeches?