Hypertension definition: Hypertension is defined as a

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. In general, hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories. 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. Hypertension is a condition that arises when blood pressure is abnormally high, typically because the body’s smaller blood vessels narrow, causing the blood to exert excessive pressure against the vessel walls and forcing the heart to work harder to maintain pressure.