Hypertension (HTN or HT), also known as high blood pressure (HBP), is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure typically does not cause symptoms.

What medically is HTN?

Overview. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.

What is normal daytime blood pressure?

According to these recommendations, normal 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure is defined as less than 130/80 mm Hg. Concurrently, normal daytime and nighttime blood pressure levels are defined as less than 135/85 mm Hg and less than 120/70 mm Hg, respectively.

What level of blood pressure causes death?

Stage 2 hypertension is defined as a blood pressure at or above 140/90 mmHg. Having hypertension puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.

Is HTN hereditary?

Hypertension tends to run in families. Individuals whose parents have hypertension have an elevated risk of developing the condition, particularly if both parents are affected. However, the inheritance pattern is unknown. Rare, genetic forms of hypertension follow the inheritance pattern of the individual condition.

Can you live a long life with controlled high blood pressure?

While it’s theoretically possible that you can live a long life with high blood pressure, the odds are not in your favor. It makes more sense to heed your hypertension risks and learn how treatment can improve your hypertension prognosis and life expectancy.

Can stress give you high blood pressure?

Your body produces a surge of hormones when you’re in a stressful situation. These hormones temporarily increase your blood pressure by causing your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow. There’s no proof that stress by itself causes long-term high blood pressure.