What is the cause of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood out to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, to stroke, kidney disease, and to the development of heart failure. read more

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood out to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, to stroke, kidney disease, and to heart failure. read more

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects an estimated 67 million Americans. In most cases, the causes of high blood pressure are not known. However, some things may increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. These include: Heredity: High blood pressure tends to run in families. read more

Blood pressure between 120/80 and 129/80 is elevated blood pressure, and a blood pressure of 130/80 or above is considered high. The American Academy of Cardiology defines blood pressure ranges as: Hypertension stage 1 is 130-139 or 80-89 mm Hg, and hypertension stage 2 is 140 or higher, or 90 mm Hg or higher. read more