Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can lead to damage to the blood vessels and increase the risk of serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms, but can cause serious damage to the body over time if left untreated. It is a common condition, affecting about 1 in 3 adults in the United States.

Risk factors for hypertension include age, family history, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and certain underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. Treatment for hypertension may involve lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and quitting smoking, as well as medications to lower blood pressure.

It is important to monitor blood pressure regularly, especially for those at increased risk, and to work with a healthcare provider to manage hypertension and reduce the risk of complications.