High bp: High blood pressure

High blood pressure , or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing through your vessels is consistently too high. Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Seek emergency medical help for anyone with these blood pressure numbers. Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. High blood pressure generally does not produce symptoms until an underlying medical condition in a person arises (heart attack, chest pain, stroke). However, some people do experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and shortness of breath. What is high blood pressure or hypertension? The American Heart Association provides information on high blood pressure , low blood pressure, and how to monitor, treat and prevent high blood pressure .