Hypertension is elevated blood pressure.Normal blood pressure in an adult is 120/ 80mmHg. The pressure on the higher side is called systolic blood pressure, while that on the lower side is called diastolic blood pressure. If blood pressure consistently shows 140/ 90mmHg or more in successive readings, then the person can be diagnosed to be suffering from hypertension. Hypertension can have serious long term repercussions because it can give rise to coronary artery disease, damage to kidneys, liver, retina and brain.