Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. It can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, strokes, and kidney problems. Hypertension often develops over many years and may not present noticeable symptoms, which is why regular monitoring is important. Factors contributing to hypertension include genetics, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and stress.