High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms—yet it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. That’s why regular blood pressure checks are essential, even if you feel fine.
Your blood pressure measures the force of blood against your artery walls as your heart beats and rests. The two key numbers—systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom)—help determine if your blood pressure is in a healthy range. If left unchecked, hypertension can increase your risk of life-threatening conditions.
