What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. It can lead to severe complications and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and death.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions -- including children and teens.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels. The pressure depends on the work being done by the heart and the resistance of the blood vessels.

Facts and statistic

Approximately 20% of the world’s adults are estimated to have hypertension, when hypertension is defined as BP in excess of 140/90 mm Hg. The prevalence dramatically increases in patients older than 60 years of age. In many countries, 50% of individuals in this age group have hypertension.

Worldwide, approximately 1 billion people have hypertension, contributing than 7.1 million deaths per year.

In Indonesia, the latest WHO data published in May 2017 Hypertension Deaths in Indonesia reached 452.226 (3.02 %) of total deaths. The age adjusted Death Rate is 25.26 per 100.000 of population ranks Indonesia #29 in the world.

Normal blood pressure for adults is defined as a systolic pressure below 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg. It is normal for blood pressures to change when you sleep, wake up, excited or nervous. When you are active, it is normal for your blood pressure to increase. However, once the activity stops, your blood pressure returns to your normal range.

Blood pressure normally rises with age and body size.  Abnormal increases in blood pressure are defined as having blood pressures higher than 120/80 mmHg. The following table outlines and defines high blood pressure severity levels