Certain health conditions, such as being overweight or having diabetes, may also increase your chances of developing hypertension.

Contributing factors may include smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity and/or having a family history of hypertension. High blood pressure usually develops over time and becomes more common as we age. People can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms – even when blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels or injury is occurring gradually over time. High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?