hypertension.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic disease in which the force of blood against your blood vessel walls is higher than normal. Over time, the excess force damages your blood vessels, as well as other organs, and increases your risk of developing other health complications, such as:   ​  

Stroke  

Heart attack  

Kidney disease  

Aneurysm 

Heart disease  

Heart failure 

Dementia  ​ 

This chronic disease is often referred to as the silent killer because it develops without noticeable signs or symptoms. At your annual prevention and wellness exams, the team CMHMS screens for common health conditions like hypertension. Identifying changes in your blood pressure early may help prevent the damage that leads to hypertension-related health complications.  Hypertension affects 85 million adults in the United States. When not well-controlled, it increases the risk of more serious health issues, like a heart attack or stroke.