Hypertension Glossary of Terms

ARCHIVED 2015-09-06, DATE APPROXIMATE · VERSION 20150906_rev01 · COMPARED WITH 20150703_rev01

Full text changes — 20150703_rev01 to 20150906_rev01

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 **[Angina](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-angina):** [chest pain](http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/whats-causing-my-chest-pain)
 **Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:** one kind of [medication](http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx) used to treat [high blood pressure](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/default.htm) by preventing the body from making the chemical angiotensin II. This chemical causes [blood](http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/rm-quiz-blood-basics) vessels to narrow, which can raise [blood pressure](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/diastolic-and-systolic-blood-pressure-know-your-numbers). [ACE inhibitors](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/medicine-ace-inhibitors) allow the vessels to expand, which lowers blood pressure. These drugs are also used to treat [congestive heart failure](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide-heart-failure), to protect the [kidneys](http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/picture-of-the-kidneys) in people with [diabetes](http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/default.htm), and to treat people who have had a [heart attack](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ss/slideshow-heart-attack).
+[Understanding High Blood Pressure -- the Basics](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/understanding-high-blood-pressure-basics)
+[5 Tips on Reducing Salt Intake](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/tips-to-reduce-salt-intake)
+High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the most common cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against artery walls as it courses through the body. Like air in a tire or water in a hose, blood fills arteries to a certain capacity. Just as too much air pressure can damage a tire or too much water pushing through a garden hose can damage the hose, high blood pressure can threaten healthy arteries and lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart...
+Cutting down on salt may help lower your blood pressure. And most Americans need to cut back, because they get more sodium than they should. The American Heart Association recommends getting less than 2,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium each day, unless you have high blood pressure or if you are at risk (if you already have hypertension, have diabetes or kidney disease or are African American). That's less than a teaspoon from all your meals and snacks. Start with these tips: Break the habit of...
+[Read the Understanding High Blood Pressure -- the Basics article > >](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/understanding-high-blood-pressure-basics)
+[Read the 5 Tips on Reducing Salt Intake article > >](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/tips-to-reduce-salt-intake)
 **[Atherosclerosis](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/what-is-atherosclerosis):** the build-up of fatty deposits within the [arteries](http://www.webmd.com/heart/picture-of-the-arteries), eventually may cause a blockage of blood flow or stiffening of the artery walls.
 **Balloon [Angioplasty](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/treatment-angioplasty-stents):** a procedure in which a small balloon at the tip of the catheter (see [cardiac catheterization](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/cardiac-catheterization)) is inflated while in an artery to stretch a narrowed artery opening and allow for increase blood flow.
 **Beta-Blockers:** one kind of medication used to treat [high blood pressure](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/ss/slideshow-hypertension-overview), chest pain, and [irregular heartbeat](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/what-causes-heart-palpitations) and to help protect a person from [heart disease](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htm). Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline in various parts of the body. Beta-blockers relieve stress on the [heart](http://www.webmd.com/heart/picture-of-the-heart) so that it requires less blood and oxygen. As a result, the [heart](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/rm-quiz-know-heart) doesn't have to work as hard and blood pressure is lowered.