High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as “hypertension,” affects more than 74.5 million adults in the United States. Less than one-half of those have their blood pressure under control.
To many people, the word hypertension suggests excessive tension, nervousness, or stress. In medical terms, however, hypertension means blood pressure that is too high, regardless of the cause. Hypertension has been called the “silent killer” because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms for many years. By that time, a vital organ, such as your heart or kidney, may be irreparably damaged. Although high blood pressure may lead to several life-threatening conditions, it is very treatable and, in many cases, preventable.
Learn more about hypertension, its treatment and its prevention.
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Written by: Janice C. May, M.P.A.
Reviewed by: Jeffrey G. Schultze, M.D.
Last Modified: Thursday September 26, 2019 9:09 AM