High blood
pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is too strong. Over
time, high blood pressure can damage the
arteries, heart, and kidneys and can lead to heart disease and stroke.
High blood pressure can be treated effectively with lifestyle changes and medications that can reduce the risk of complications.
Blood pressure readings consist of an upper number and a lower number (such as 120 over 90 or 120/90). The upper number is systolic blood pressure; the lower number is diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure readings are measured in units called millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Normal blood pressure is 119 mm Hg systolic over 79 mm Hg diastolic or below.
A person has high blood pressure (hypertension) when either or both of the following are present:
The top number (systolic) is 140 mm Hg or higher.
The bottom number (diastolic) is 90 mm Hg or higher.
Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis, sometimes called “hardening of the arteries,” occurs when fat (cholesterol) and calcium build up in the inner lining of the arteries, forming a substance called plaque. Over time, the fat and calcium buildup narrows the artery and blocks blood flow through it.
When atherosclerosis affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart, it can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle, causing heart pain (angina), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), and other problems. Plaque may damage the artery lining, causing blood clots that can block blood flow, which in turn may cause a heart attack and cause damage to the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis in the heart (coronary) arteries is called
coronary artery disease.
When atherosclerosis affects the arteries that supply blood to the brain, it may cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
Atherosclerosis can affect arteries in other parts of the body, such as the pelvis and legs, causing poor circulation, slower healing of skin injuries, and erection problems.
A major part of treating atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease involves lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking) and medications to help reduce high cholesterol, control high blood pressure, and manage other factors that increase a person''s risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.