What is considered high blood pressure?

Dr Yassir Javid

High blood pressure happens when the force on the walls of blood vessels (caused by the blood within them) is more than normal. This means the heart has to work harder and the blood vessels are under more strain, making it a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions. Healthcare professionals sometimes call high blood pressure 'hypertension'.

For more information on high blood pressure, go to /health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension