Short Answer 
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, primarily affects the blood vessels, heart, brain, and kidneys, and is diagnosed when readings exceed 140 over 90 mmHg. While often asymptomatic, high blood pressure can lead to symptoms like chest pain, headaches, and blurred vision. It’s important to note that hypertension does not directly cause an irregular heartbeat, correcting a common misconception.
Step 1: Understand Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition that affects various parts of the body. It primarily impacts the blood vessels, heart, brain, eyes, and can lead to kidney failure. A blood pressure reading is considered hypertensive when it consistently measures above 140 over 90 mmHg.
Step 2: Recognize Symptoms of Hypertension
While hypertension can be asymptomatic, it may lead to various symptoms when blood pressure levels become significantly elevated. Common symptoms to be aware of include:
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Nosebleeds
Step 3: Clarify Misconceptions about Heartbeat
It is important to differentiate the effects of hypertension on heart function. An essential conclusion is that hypertension does not cause an irregular heartbeat. Instead, a regular heartbeat is not a symptom associated with this condition, which highlights the misconception around heart rhythms and blood pressure issues.