Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is characterized by abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries. In a stressful situation or during physical effort, it is normal for blood pressure to rise. In hypertensive individuals, however, blood pressure remains high all the time, even at rest or in the absence of psychological stress.
High blood pressure does not usually cause symptoms, which explains why a significant number of hypertensive patients are unaware of their condition. That is why it has been nicknamed “the silent killer”.