Yes, hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a silent killer. It is a major risk factor for many serious and life-threatening conditions including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease. It is especially dangerous because it often has no symptoms and can go undetected for many years before a major health event occurs.
Hypertension is a condition that is caused by an imbalance between the amount of blood your heart pumps and the resistance that your blood vessels offer to the flow of blood. When this imbalance exists, the pressure in your arteries increases, leading to hypertension. High blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea.
The danger of hypertension is that it can be quite difficult to detect without regular blood pressure checks. This is because it often has no symptoms, so people may not be aware of the damage it is causing to their bodies. Over time, the strain on the heart and blood vessels can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions.
To reduce the risk of developing hypertension and of experiencing a major health event, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes following a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and managing any existing medical conditions. Regular blood pressure checks are also important, as they can help detect hypertension early and allow for early intervention.