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Why is hypertension often called a silent killer?
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cardiovascular disease
This micrograph shows a cross section of a coronary artery narrowed by an atherosclerotic plaque (purplish matter inside the artery). Most heart attacks are caused by the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, which triggers the formation of a clot that abruptly blocks blood flow to part of the heart muscle.
Hypertension is frequently referred to as a "silent killer" because the condition typically produces no noticeable symptoms in those who have it.12
Because individuals often feel healthy despite having abnormally high blood pressure, the disease can progress undetected for months or even years. During this time, the sustained pressure against artery walls forces the heart to work harder, which can eventually lead to severe, life-threatening complications such as heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure.213
Given the lack of warning signs, it is ethically imperative for individuals—especially those with known risk factors—to have their blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional to ensure early detection and management.12