Hypertension

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, develops when the force of blood against the artery walls remains elevated over time. It is often called the “silent killer” because many people have no warning signs or symptoms, so it can go unnoticed for years. Risk factors include unhealthy eating habits, excess salt intake, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, inactivity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and a family history of the condition. In some cases, hypertension is linked to another medical problem, such as kidney disease or hormone-related disorders.

If untreated, it can damage blood vessels and strain the heart, raising the chance of heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Management usually includes healthier lifestyle choices, regular blood pressure checks, and medicines such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers when needed.