Overview
Hypertension means blood pressure is higher than a healthy range over time. This is general educational information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.
Symptoms
- usually no symptoms, which is why it is often called a silent condition
- in some cases headaches or shortness of breath at very high readings
Causes
- primary (essential) hypertension develops gradually with no single cause
- secondary hypertension can relate to other conditions or medicines
Risk factors
- family history
- diet high in salt
- physical inactivity
- overweight, tobacco use, or excess alcohol
Prevention
- balanced, lower-salt eating
- regular physical activity
- avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
- routine blood-pressure checks
Evaluation & tests
Educational note: clinicians confirm hypertension using repeated blood-pressure measurements, sometimes with home or 24-hour monitoring. This library does not diagnose.
Treatment education
Educational overview: management is individualized and commonly combines lifestyle education with clinician-prescribed medicines when needed. This library does not prescribe.
Self-care
General education: knowing your numbers, healthy eating, activity, and attending reviews support long-term blood-pressure health.
When to seek care
Discuss blood-pressure concerns with a qualified clinician; seek urgent care for very high readings with chest pain, severe headache, or breathing difficulty.