Hypertension is the medical term for a condition in which the arterial blood pressure is consistently above the normal range. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The number at the top represents systolic pressure. This is the amount of pressure that the heart generates when pumping blood out through the arteries. The number below represents diastolic pressure. This is the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest, in between beats. When the reading is above the 140 (systolic)/90 (diastolic) range, it denotes hypertension.

There are two major types of hypertension: Essential or primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension is the most common condition, found in 95 per cent of the cases. It has no definite cause. Secondary hypertension is found in five to ten per cent the cases. Here, the increase in blood pressure is caused by a specific defect in one of the organs in the body. Treating the affected organ can control or cure the hypertension.

Hypertension can be caused due to several factors. Some factors include hereditary or genetic tendencies, environmental factors, unhealthy eating habits, stress, smoking, and lack of exercise. Other factors that affect the blood pressure are salt content in the body, volume of water in the body, level of various hormones, and obesity. Most often people suffer from hypertension because of high cholesterol or bad cholesterol. This hypertension could be sorted out by exercise if done in consonance with medication. Exercise help bring cholesterol level down that automatically reduces hypertension.

Some suggestions to avoid hypertension are following. Being overweight is not encouraged if you have hypertension. So try to reduce your over weight. You have to stop smoking as this will increase your risk of other diseases brought by hypertension like heart attack and strokes. Watch what you eat to get rid of hypertension. Reduce your salt intake because salt or sodium aggravates your hypertension. Fruits and vegetables high in potassium are recommended to lower blood pressure. Have a regular exercise this will lower blood pressure and improves blood flow. Limit or avoid alcoholic drinks. If you cannot avoid it limit it to 1-2 drinks a day. Avoid stress and try to relax, there's nothing better than a stress free life.

Hypertension can originate from a lot of things. For one thing, improper diet with increased intake of fatty and high-cholesterol food can cause hypertension. Emotional disturbances can also heighten the risk of hypertension. Some food recommendations are following. Whole Grains which are high in fiber and a major source of energy, vegetables which contain high amount of magnesium, potassium, and fiber, fruits which have a high load of magnesium, potassium, fiber, and calcium, low fat or fat free dairy products, lean meats and fish contain large amount of protein and magnesium etc are well products appropriate for avoiding hypertension.