What is hypertension?
Q: What is hypertension?
A: Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated beyond normal levels.
Q: What are the typical effects of hypertension?
A: Hypertension involves the heart having to work harder than normal to circulate blood through blood vessels. This can lead to the narrowing and hardening of arteries and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.
Q: How is hypertension diagnosed?
A: Hypertension is typically diagnosed through a blood pressure test, which involves measuring the pressure of blood against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps it through the body.
Q: What are the causes of hypertension?
A: There are many factors that can contribute to hypertension, including genetics, age, lifestyle habits (e.g. diet, exercise), underlying health conditions, and environmental factors.
Q: How is hypertension treated?
A: Treatment for hypertension typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes (e.g. diet, exercise, stress reduction) and medication to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of associated health problems.
Q: Can hypertension be prevented?
A: While some factors that contribute to hypertension (such as genetics and age) cannot be changed, there are many lifestyle habits that can be modified to reduce the risk of developing hypertension, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and reducing sodium intake.
Q: How common is hypertension?
A: Hypertension is a common medical condition, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 adults in the United States alone.
