Hypertension is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated. This results in the heart having to work harder to pump blood around the body. The increased pressure can damage the arteries, and the heart itself, and can lead to a number of serious health conditions. Hypertension is often referred to as the silent killer because it often has no symptoms. This means that many people who have hypertension are unaware of it and are not receiving treatment. Untreated hypertension can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. It is therefore important to get your blood pressure checked regularly, and to see a doctor if you are concerned about it. There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to reduce blood pressure, including eating a healthy diet, reducing salt intake, and exercising regularly. If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower blood pressure, medication may be necessary.