It’s measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is read as a fraction.

Hypertension is difficult to detect without testing and is often called a “silent killer.”

Because it usually does not produce symptoms, many people don’t know they have it.

Woman using Digital blood pressure monitor to check her blood pressure at home

Mayur Kakade / Getty Images

Learning how to identify it and practicing prevention whenever possible is essential.

Normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.

High blood pressure is diagnosed when one or both numbers are higher than normal.

People whose systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 129 have borderline hypertension.

Unless blood pressure is severely elevated, it is unusual to have symptoms for hypertension.

Your blood pressure is generally 180/120 mm Hg or greater in this situation.

What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) takes place if the blood pressure in your lungs is consistently higher than normal.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

There are various reasons why someone might develop high blood pressure.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure after age 60.

A healthcare provider will be able to discuss the best options for you.

This is often a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

Medication

There are several types of medications a provider may prescribe you for blood pressure control.

They may prescribe one or more at a time, depending on the severity of your hypertension.

Outlook

High blood pressure is a prevalent health condition, affecting millions of people worldwide.

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