Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls, recorded as systolic (heart beating) over diastolic (heart resting) pressure. A healthy reading is around 120/80 mmHg, while readings consistently over 130/80 mmHg indicate hypertension. Prolonged high pressure forces the heart to work harder and can damage arteries, limiting blood flow to organs like the brain and kidneys.
Hypertension is influenced by several risk factors, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, chronic stress, and family history. Health conditions like diabetes or kidney disorders can also contribute. In some cases, hypertension is secondary to other medical issues such as hormonal imbalances or organ dysfunctions.