Hypertension is another term used to describe high blood pressure. Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers. The top number is called the systolic blood pressure. The bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure. For example, 120 over 80 (written as 120/80 mmHg). Normal blood pressure is when your blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg most of the time. High blood pressure is when your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or above most of the time.
If you have heart or kidney problems, or you had a stroke, your doctor may want your blood pressure to be even lower than that of people who do not have these conditions.
Hypertension is a complex disorder associated with many genetic and environmental factors. Variations in the AGT gene are associated with susceptibility to hypertension. The AGT gene provides instructions for making a protein called angiotensinogen. This protein helps regulate blood pressure and the balance of fluids and salts in the body.