Hypertension, most commonly referred to as "high blood pressure", is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated.

In 2000, we estimate that 26.4 % of the population suffers hypertension and more than 29 % should suffer from hypertension in 2025. Therefore, we estimate that in 2025, more than 1.25 billion of people may suffer from Hypertension.

A blood pressure reading, given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), has two numbers. The first, or upper, number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure). The second, or lower, number measures the pressure in your arteries between beats (diastolic pressure).

The latest blood pressure guidelines divide blood pressure measurements into FIVE general categories:
 

  

 SYSTOLIC

 DIASTOLIC

 Hypertension SEVERE

 > 180 mm Hg

 > 110 mm Hg

 Hypertension stage 2

 > 160 mm Hg

 > 100 mm Hg

 Hypertension stage 1

 > 140 et < 159 mm Hg

 > 90 et < 99 mm Hg

 prehypertension

 > 120 et < 139 mm Hg

 > 80 et <89 mm Hg

 Normal

 Less than 120 mmHg

 Less than 80 mmHg

 
Prehypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 139 or a diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89. There is no treatment for prehypertension, which is also considered as a normal condition. HOWEVER, some studies show that prehypertension tends to get worse over time.

A single high blood pressure reading isn't enough for a diagnosis. Because blood pressure normally varies throughout the day — and sometimes specifically during visits to the doctor — diagnosis is based on more than one reading taken on more than one occasion. Your doctor may ask you to record your blood pressure at home and at work to provide additional information. To evaluate your Blood pressure, please follow the ‘RULES OF THE 3':
  • 3 MEASURES in the MORNING before breakfast (wait at least one minute between 2 measurements)
  • 3 MEASURES in the EVENING before sleep (wait at least one minute between 2 measurements)
  • 3 DAYS IN A ROW. Repeat and keep record for 3 days.