Hypertension is a common, multifactorial condition in which blood pressure remains chronically elevated, damaging blood vessels and organs over time. It is typically defined as systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and/or diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, measured on repeated occasions. Many people are asymptomatic for years, which makes screening essential.

Research shows that hypertension strongly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and vascular dementia. Blood pressure reflects the interaction of cardiac output, vascular resistance and blood volume. These are influenced by genetics, the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous activity, kidney function, endothelial health and arterial stiffness.

Major modifiable risk factors include high salt intake, excess body weight, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol use, smoking, chronic stress and unhealthy dietary patterns low in fruits and vegetables. Age related arterial stiffening and family history are important non modifiable contributors.

Clinical guidelines emphasize accurate diagnosis using standardized office measurements and, when possible, ambulatory or home monitoring to detect white coat and masked hypertension. Management typically starts with lifestyle interventions such as reducing dietary sodium, adopting a diet rich in plant foods and low in saturated fat, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and achieving weight loss when needed.

When lifestyle change is insufficient, several drug classes are supported by strong evidence for reducing cardiovascular events. These include thiazide type diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers and in selected cases beta blockers. Research continues to refine optimal treatment combinations, blood pressure targets in different patient groups and strategies to improve adherence and long term risk reduction.