High blood pressure is a fairly common condition that can contribute to a stroke, heart attack or vascular problems, and yet it often goes undetected. Since it often shows no symptoms, screening is important to detect it, and treatments are available, says Upstate cardiologist Harold Smulyan, MD. He explains the associated risks, such as smoking, obesity and excessive salt intake, and also who tends to be at higher risk for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension