Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition characterized by consistently elevated pressure in the arteries, increasing the workload on the heart and blood vessels. Defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, and vision loss. Often asymptomatic, hypertension is referred to as a "silent killer" due to its potential to cause severe organ damage before detection. With over 1.2 billion people aged 30–79 affected globally, it remains a leading cause of premature death. While the exact cause is often unknown (primary hypertension), it can be influenced by genetic factors, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lifestyle choices like poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for early diagnosis and effective management, which typically involves lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, pharmacological treatment to prevent long-term complications.
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