Hypertension is the term for blood pressure that is higher than normal (120/80). In this measurement 120 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury pressure) is the systolic, or pumping, pressure, and 80 mm Hg is the diastolic, or resting, pressure. If repeated checks of blood pressure of an individual are 140/90 (140 over 90) or higher, it shows hypertension. High blood pressure leads to heart diseases and also affects vital organs like the brain and kidneys.