What is Hypertension?

Simply put, a person is said to suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure if systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg. Ideal blood pressure is 120 mmHg for systolic and 80 mmHg for diastolic. In many cases, both the pressure increase.
Systolic blood pressure (the top number) is the pressure peak reached when the heart contracts and pump blood out through the arteries. While diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) was taken when the pressure fell to its lowest point when the heart relaxes and fills blood back.
Increased pressure in hypertension is closely related to incorrect storage of salt and water, or increased pressure in the blood vessels of the body in gentle circulation (peripheral). Although the causes vary, but the center is the imbalance of the renin-Angio-tensin, which plays an important role in regulating blood pressure.
Hypertension, commonly develops when middle age, more common in men and postmenopausal women. Family history of hypertension increase risk, as well as smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, education, and low socioeconomic status.
You need to be suspicious of suffering from hypertension when blood pressure is consistently pointing to the 140/90 mmHg or more. For those who are healthy (age 18 and over), the table below can guide what you should do based on initial blood pressure checks.
The recommendations are highly dependent on your blood pressure reading has passed, other cardiovascular risk factors, and presence of other diseases. Consulting a doctor if necessary.

* From various sources on the internet