Hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure, is when the force of blood pumping through your arteries is too strong. Your arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart throughout your body. A blood pressure reading consists of a higher number over a lower number, such as 110/72. The higher number (systolic) is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart pumps. The lower number (diastolic) is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart relaxes. Ideally you want your blood pressure below 120/80.
Hypertension forces your heart to work harder to pump blood. Your arteries may become narrow or stiff. Having hypertension puts you at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other problems.