Hypertension also called high blood pressure causes extra stress on the heart and blood vessels. When the pressure in a person’s blood vessels is high, the heart has to push (or pump) against the pressure in order to get blood throughout the body. Over time, high blood pressure increases a person’s risk for heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, poor circulation, and many other issues. Diet, exercise, and sometimes medication help to reduce blood pressure, and ultimately reduce a person’s risk for the many potential complications of high blood pressure.