Hypertension

Hypertension is a progressive increase in the muscle and elastic tissue of the arterial walls resulting from elevated blood pressure. This is generally defined when blood pressure is greater than 140 over 90. When the cause of this is unknown the hypertension is called primary or essential. When a cause can be identified (such as heredity, smoking, obesity etc.), the condition is known as secondary hypertension.

Hypertension is known as the silent killer because it produces few overt symptoms yet may result in damage to the kidneys, eyes, brain or ultimately lead to heart attack or stroke. Diet and lifestyle play a big part in contributing to a hypertensive state.