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Understanding High Blood Pressure: Causes, Risks, and Healthy Targets

Understanding High Blood Pressure: Causes, Risks, and Healthy Targets

Ever wondered what high blood pressure truly means for your health?

Your heart pumps blood into your arteries, exerting pressure on their walls. When this pressure remains elevated over time, it damages the artery walls, leading to calcification. This makes vessels less elastic, driving blood pressure even higher and elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure often stems from a mix of genetic factors and poor lifestyle habits. For adults, the ideal target is below 140/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).