Why is hypertension often asymptomatic?

Hypertension is often described as the "silent killer," primarily because the body can adapt to elevated blood pressure levels over time without displaying noticeable symptoms. This adaptation means that individuals may not recognize any physiological changes or discomfort, as their body has reached a new norm that does not trigger alarms for them. Consequently, many people live with hypertension for years without knowing it, as their body's regulatory mechanisms compensate for the elevated pressure.

In contrast, hypertension does not have specific symptoms that might impact daily activities significantly or provoke concern unless blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels. The lack of overt symptoms contributes to the difficulty in detecting the condition early on, which is why regular screening is essential.

While symptoms such as headaches can occasionally occur, they are not consistent or specific to hypertension, and often individuals may overlook or misinterpret these symptoms. Additionally, signs of hypertension may not become evident until an individual is under physical stress, such as during intense exercise, but this is not the primary reason hypertension remains asymptomatic for most.