
High blood pressure or hypertension: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very common condition in which the pressure of the blood in the arteries is higher than normal. Symptoms of high blood pressure may include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Diagnosis of hypertension involves measuring your blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. Treatment of high blood pressure involves lifestyle modifications such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. In some cases, medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors may be prescribed to help lower blood pressure.