Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure remains consistently elevated. Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. When this pressure stays high over a long period, it can place additional strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Hypertension often does not produce obvious symptoms, even when blood pressure levels are significantly elevated. Regular blood pressure checks are therefore important for detecting the condition early. When symptoms do occur, they may include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or shortness of breath, although these symptoms are not specific to high blood pressure.
Uncontrolled hypertension can gradually damage blood vessels and increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. Management may include reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and taking prescribed blood-pressure medicines when required.
