Hypertension
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing up against the blood vessel walls. The higher the pressure the harder the heart has to pump. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body.
The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped, and the size and flexibility of the arteries. High blood pressure is the excessive force of blood pumping through our blood vessels and Hypertension means high blood pressure. Blood pressure changes continuously depending on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, physical state and medication use. Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually given as two numbers (for example 140 over 90, written as 140/90). The top number is systolic pressure reading which represents the maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts for pumping blood. The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure reading which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
Too much salt in diet can lead to high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension may also be due to Anxiety and stress, appetite suppressants, Birth control pills, certain cold medicines, cocaine use, Diabetes, Migraine medicines, Obesity, Pain, Pregnancy (called gestational hypertension) and Arteriosclerosis. Diuretics also known as "water pills", such as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide excrete extra water and salt to lower blood pressure. Vasodilators relaxes blood pressure to lower blood pressure. Hypertension can be controlled with medicine and lifestyle changes.