Final answer:
Essential hypertension is called a "silent killer" because it can lead to serious health complications without noticeable symptoms. People may be unaware they have such high blood pressure until they suffer from a health issue like a stroke or heart attack. Management includes lifestyle changes and medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Essential hypertension is often termed the "silent killer" because it typically does not present any symptoms.
A person with hypertension may have persistently high blood pressure readings—systolic blood pressure of 140 or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 or higher—yet be unaware of their condition.
Without awareness and treatment, hypertension can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and heart failure.
Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, alongside medication, can help to manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of these adverse health outcomes.