Silent high pressure damages arteries for years before symptoms appear. Hypertension is a sustained elevation of arterial blood pressure above accepted thresholds, commonly 130/80 or 140/90 mmHg depending on guideline.

Most cases are primary, without a single reversible cause; secondary hypertension results from kidney disease, endocrine disorders, or other identifiable conditions. Risk rises with age, obesity, salt intake, inactivity, and family history. Diagnosis requires multiple accurate measurements, sometimes including out-of-office readings.

Treatment combines lifestyle change with antihypertensive drugs when needed. Good control reduces stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney failure. Because hypertension rarely causes early symptoms, screening and adherence are essential to prevent late complications.

• Persistently elevated arterial blood pressure
• Usually asymptomatic until complications arise
• Diagnosed by repeated accurate measurements
• Managed with lifestyle measures and medication