What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition. The older you are, the more likely you are to get it. Blood pressure is the force of blood pressing against the walls of your arteries. When it’s too high, your heart has to work harder. This can cause serious damage to your arteries. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure makes you more likely to get heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.