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hypertension
hypertension, another term for high blood pressure, is a common condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the resistance to blood flow in the arteries. the more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure.
hypertension is often asymptomatic for many years, which is why it's sometimes called the "silent killer." uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
risk factors for hypertension include age, race, family history, being overweight, not being physically active, using tobacco, too much salt (sodium) in the diet, too little potassium in the diet, drinking too much alcohol, stress, and certain chronic conditions.
treatment for hypertension includes lifestyle changes and medications. lifestyle changes can include eating a healthier diet with less salt, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
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