Hypertension

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. It occurs when the heart has to work harder than normal to pump blood through the body, increasing the pressure in the blood vessels. Hypertension often develops gradually and can go unnoticed for years, making it known as a “silent killer.” If left unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss. Risk factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet (especially high salt intake), smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and medication can help manage hypertension and reduce the risk of severe health problems.