Condition A to Z: H

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is persistently too high. It is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure if not treated. Hypertension is one of the leading preventable causes of early death worldwide. Causes Primary (essential) hypertension: No identifiable cause, develops gradually over many years Secondary hypertension: Caused by another condition such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome), obstructive sleep apnoea, certain medications (like steroids, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives), or excessive alcohol use Pathophysiology Hypertension