Hypertension has been labelled "the silent killer" because it usually does not show any recognizable symptoms until a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke, occurs. Hypertension is dangerous because it forces the heart to work harder to pump blood around the body. It can also result in ruptured blood vessels in organs such as
the kidneys and eyes. High blood pressure can be reduced by adjusting the individual's lifestyle-following a more appropriate diet, losing weight, and getting regular exercise. If these approaches do not work, medications are available to reduce blood pres-
sure through vasodilation or by reducing the amount of retained water in the blood.