Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it usually has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Persistently high levels can damage vessels, leading to heart disease, kidney failure, or stroke. Risk factors include age, obesity, smoking, high salt intake, and family history. Managing hypertension involves lifestyle changes such as reduced salt intake, regular exercise, weight control, and in some cases, medication. Early detection through regular monitoring is key to prevention.
