Anything that increases pressure on the artery walls can lead to elevated blood pressure. A buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls (atherosclerosis) can cause elevated blood pressure.
Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below (not above) 80 mm Hg. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
Either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading may be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure.
Elevated blood pressure is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. Long-term elevated blood pressure can lead to changes in memory, language, thinking or judgment (cognitive decline).
Elevated blood pressure
