Hypertension is otherwise called as high blood pressure. Blood flows against the walls of arteries, during the pumping action of the heart and if the force of blood flow exceeds certain capacity, you have hypertension. Normal readings of blood pressure are 120/80 mm of Hg in which 120 is the systolic blood pressure and 80 is the diastolic blood pressure. When a person gets emotional, his blood pressure rises above this limit, thus forcing the blood flow against the walls of the heart. You are said to have blood pressure when the readings are above 140/90 most of the time which will eventually lead to heart problems.
Causes :
There are number of factors that cause blood pressure. It varies according to the level of hormones, functioning methods of kidneys and nervous system and the total water and salt content in your body. You are likely to get hypertension as you grow old, since the blood vessels become hard during old-age.
Smoking and drinking habit obviously increases blood pressure to large extent. People who are obese and are diabetic are prone to get blood pressure in young age. If you have family history of BP, then you are at the risk of getting hypertension.
Stress and heightened emotions also increases blood pressure. Certain chronic illness like kidney problems, parathyroidism, and adrenal gland abnormalities may also induce hypertension. Taking strong medicines for cold and headache and the stage of pregnancy will create blood pressure temporarily. Heredity and environmental factors also plays a role in getting blood pressure at young age.