Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure, a condition in which the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. It’s often called the “silent killer” because it usually presents no noticeable symptoms, yet it significantly increases the risk of serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic (when the heart beats) and diastolic (when the heart rests). A reading consistently over 130/80 mm Hg is typically classified as hypertension. Risk factors include genetics, poor diet (especially high sodium intake), lack of exercise, obesity, stress, and smoking. Because symptoms may not be obvious, regular monitoring is essential — particularly for adults over 40 or those with risk factors. Hypertension is manageable through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular medical care. Controlling it early can dramatically reduce the risk of long-term complications.