High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means blood is pushing against artery walls with more force than is healthy over time. It is often found during a blood pressure reading rather than by symptoms.
Why it is called silent
Many people with hypertension feel normal. Even without symptoms, high blood pressure can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, and heart failure.
What affects blood pressure
Age, family history, salt intake, weight, kidney function, sleep apnea, stress, medications, alcohol, and other health conditions can all play a role.
A single high reading does not always mean a person has hypertension, but repeated high readings should be discussed with a health professional.