High blood pressure or hypertension is excessive pressure exerted against the artery walls as the heart pumps away the blood.

Hypertension is becoming prevalent amongst the urban Indian population due to unhealthy lifestyle and bad eating habits. Studies suggest a strong lifestyle correlation to this disease.

Blood pressure reading is measured in two numbers - 120/80.

The above number is the systolic pressure, which is the pressure as the heart contracts and pumps blood into in the arteries.

The below number is diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes after contraction.

Blood Pressure Range

Normal - Blood pressure of 120/80

Pre-hypertension - Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89

High blood pressure - Blood pressure of 140/90 or above (consistently)

Types of Hypertension or High Blood Pressure

There are two types of hypertension

i) Essential or Primary Hypertension:

This is more commonly seen among people but its actual reason is yet unknown. However, genetics and unhealthy lifestyle plays a vital role in developing this condition.

ii) Secondary Hypertension:

When a particular medical condition or medication is responsible to elevate the blood pressure, it is known as secondary hypertension. Some of the medical conditions that causes secondary hypertension are

• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes (when it leads to kidney damage)
• Thyroid disorders
• Some birth control pills as a side effect
• Appetite suppressants
• Medications for migraine
• Over indulgence in alcohol
• Use of prohibited drugs (cocaine)

Maintaining blood pressure as per the prescribed range is essential to stay away from life-threatening diseases such as heart fail or heart attack or stroke. Precautionary measures are necessary to keep the blood pressure level under control. Along with adopting healthy habits, a complete health checkup would also prove useful to get to know about your current health condition. Fill up the query form to opt for this health checkup.