Hypertension definition: High blood pressure (hypertension) is

High blood pressure (hypertension) is consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure typically has no signs or symptoms but can cause problems for your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. No matter your age, you can take steps each day to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body in the vessels. The current definition of hypertension (HTN) is systolic blood pressure (SBP) values of 130 mm Hg or more and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of more than 80 mm Hg. Hypertension ranks among the most common chronic medical condition characterized by a persistent elevation in arterial pressure. Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80 mm Hg or taking medication for hypertension. This definition is based on the relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular events in large populations. Nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension.