High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against artery walls remains consistently elevated. Often called a "silent killer," it frequently presents with no symptoms but can cause serious damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and blood vessels over time. Functional medicine views hypertension as a multifactorial issue, influenced by inflammation, stress, poor diet, sleep apnea, insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, and toxin exposure. By identifying and treating root causes—rather than simply suppressing blood pressure with medication—we aim to restore cardiovascular balance and long-term wellness.