Home > Medical > Hypertension > Explaining hypertension Explaining hypertension All sections in Hypertension » About Hypertension » Medication » Effects on the Body » Explaining Hypertension » FAQs » Health Tips » Lifestyle Changes » Living with Hypertension » Measuring BP » Hypertension News » Real-life Story » Stress, Women & Obesity » Types of Blood Pressure » Risk Factors What do the numbers mean? When your doctor mumbles 120 over 80, or 160 over 100, what does it mean? When is blood pressure considered high? Researchers from the Medical Research Council are of the opinion that normal blood pressure should not exceed 130/85 mm Hg. Why worry about hypertension? Hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and premature death. Quiz Am I at risk for hypertension? » Ask CyberDoc » Quiz Are you ready to quit smoking? » Subscribe Newsletters » 10 salty food culprits 10 foods with hidden fat What is blood pressure? A quick explanation Your blood pressure is the force exerted by your heart, against the resistance created by the arteries, to keep blood flowing through your body. How does blood pressure work? Without it you’d die, but too much of it can kill you. So how does it work, anyway? Table: what is normal, what is high? A table to show you the normal ranges of blood pressure, and the stages of hypertension. What’s the difference between high blood pressure and hypertension? High blood pressure is an oft-misapplied term. So is hypertension. So what’s the difference, and does it really matter? load more articles advertisement From our sponsors Hill's Science Plan Canine Mini range What is Diabetic Neuropathy? There are more than 200 different viruses which can cause a cold A clinically proven skin care range is now available
When is blood pressure considered high? Researchers from the Medical Research Council are of the opinion that normal blood pressure should not exceed 130/85 mm Hg.
Why worry about hypertension? Hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and premature death.
What is blood pressure? A quick explanation Your blood pressure is the force exerted by your heart, against the resistance created by the arteries, to keep blood flowing through your body.
How does blood pressure work? Without it you’d die, but too much of it can kill you. So how does it work, anyway?
Table: what is normal, what is high? A table to show you the normal ranges of blood pressure, and the stages of hypertension.
What’s the difference between high blood pressure and hypertension? High blood pressure is an oft-misapplied term. So is hypertension. So what’s the difference, and does it really matter?