High blood pressure, also calledhypertension, is a serious health condition affecting millions of adults in the United States1. It is often called a "silent killer" because many people who have it do not realize it1. People who don't get treated for high blood pressure can get very sick or even die1.Here are some important points about high blood pressure, according to the sources:•Risks Anyone can have high blood pressure, but it is more likely to occur in African Americans, people over age 55, and people with a family history of high blood pressure1. You are also more likely to have high blood pressure if you are overweight, eat foods high in salt, do not get regular exercise, smoke, or drink alcohol heavily1.•Dangers High blood pressure can cause life-threatening ailments like kidney problems, stroke, heart failure, blindness, and heart attacks1. Also, a few women will get high blood pressure when they are pregnant, called preeclampsia or toxemia