Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. If your heart pumps more blood and your arteries are narrower, your blood pressure is higher.

Over time, increased pressure can cause health problems, such as heart disease. Hypertension typically develops over many years, and it eventually affects nearly everyone. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected, and once you know you have it, you can work with your doctor to control it.