What is high arterial pressure?

High arterial pressure is also known as hypertension. A high pressure in the arteries has a medical indication on the condition of the functioning of vital organs like the heart. A high arterial pressure or the hypertension is also an indication of the impending problems and this kind of condition may result in long term adverse effects. In several cases, a hypertension may also lead to an emergency. A pressure in the artery induces mechanical stress on the arteries and also increased load on the heart. This would encourage growth of unhealthy tissues known as the Atheroma inside the walls of the arteries which may lead to thickening of the heart muscle making it weaker over time. It has been observed that persistent high pressure is one of the major risk factors for disorders like strokes, heart attacks and other severe problems related to the arteries and heart. An increase in the arterial pressure could lessen the life span of a person.  A person subjected to high arterial pressure constantly cannot expect to live longer and may have his life cut by almost 50% in most of the cases. Until and unless this condition is properly treated, one cannot expect to live longer.