Hypertension is a condition where there is an increase in the pressure of blood in the arteries and this may lead to cardiovascular problems and other adverse effects. Hypertension may occur when the pressure of blood is greater than 120/80 mm of hg. Blood pressure is usually checked by an apparatus called sphygmomanometer. Hypertension is most commonly seen in adults. Hypertension may be of two types either essential or secondary hypertension.

Essential hypertension is seen in 80-90% of the patients. The most common causes of hypertension are smoking, diabetes, stress, obesity, age, excess alcohol consumption and physical inactivity. However the exact causes of hypertension lie unknown in most of the case. Hypertension can be treated based on the symptoms and causes and the most common drugs used are beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle with good physical activity to prevent hypertension.