Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, is the excessive amount of pressure generated as a result of blood flowing against the arterial wall. High blood pressure can be created when there is a great volume of blood passing through the arteries, or when there is narrowing of the arterial lumen, or both. A common analogy is that of a garden hose: when there is more water passing through the hose or when the nozzle is tightened, high hose pressure is generated. This is similar to what goes on in our blood vessels. (Wood Stephen, M.D, 1997)

When the systolic blood pressure (pressure with which the heart beats, while pumping) is 140 or greater, and the diastolic blood pressure (pressure when the heart is at rest, between beats) is 90 or greater, the person is said to be hypertensive. (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute)

There are various determinants of hypertension although...
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