Question

What does it mean when you have high blood pressure?

Answer 1

Blood pressure is the result of two forces:  from the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and throughout the circulatory system, and the force of the arteries as they resist blood flow.

You probably have high blood pressure (hypertension) if your blood pressure readings are consistently 140 over 90, or higher.

If you have high blood pressure, this higher pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this extra strain increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

High blood pressure can also cause heart and kidney disease and is closely linked to some forms of dementia.