Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition in which blood pressure is persistently elevated. Two numbers are assessed: systolic and diastolic pressure.
Hypertension is called a “silent killer”: for years it runs without symptoms yet quietly damages the heart, brain and kidneys, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Why it is a “silent killer”
Elevated pressure usually gives no symptoms — a person feels fine even at dangerous numbers. Because of this, hundreds of millions of people worldwide do not know they have hypertension. The only way to notice it is to measure blood pressure regularly, including at home.
Why hypertension is dangerous
Constantly high pressure forces the heart to work under overload (left ventricular hypertrophy develops) and accelerates atherosclerosis. The result is heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, damage to the kidneys (kidney failure) and to the vessels of the eyes. According to the WHO, hypertension is one of the main factors of premature death worldwide.
How the diagnosis is made and controlled
The diagnosis is made from repeated measurements on different days, not from a single “bad” reading. Home monitoring and 24-hour monitoring are increasingly important — they detect hidden forms of hypertension. The basis of treatment is lifestyle (less salt, activity, weight loss, the DASH diet) plus drugs if that is not enough. Several medications are often needed.
Reference ranges
Blood-pressure categories per the ACC/AHA classification (2017), mmHg:
| Normal | < 120 and < 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 and < 80 |
| Hypertension, stage 1 | 130–139 or 80–89 |
| Hypertension, stage 2 | ≥ 140 or ≥ 90 |
| Hypertensive crisis | > 180 and/or > 120 |
Calculate using this marker
Calculators where Arterial hypertension is used directly:
Frequently asked questions
What blood pressure is considered normal?
By the ACC/AHA classification, normal is below 120/80 mmHg. The 120–129/<80 range is already “elevated,” and stage 1 hypertension starts at 130/80. The WHO sets the hypertension threshold higher — from 140/90.
Does hypertension have to be treated for life?
As a rule, yes: hypertension is a chronic condition, and pressure usually rises again if treatment is stopped. But a healthy lifestyle, weight loss and less salt can sometimes allow drug doses to be reduced under a doctor’s supervision.