Hypertension, also known as

high blood pressure

, can be a long-term medical condition in which the 

blood pressure

 in the arteries is persistently

elevated

. Primary high blood pressure usually has no clear cause and is thought to be due to heredity, bad diet, lack of exercise or obesity.

Secondary hypertension

is caused by other medical conditions. Regular

blood pressure checks

help with diagnosis but long-term high blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, vascular disease, loss of vision and chronic kidney disease. You may be referred to a

Cardiologist

by your primary healthcare provider.