What is the full medical term for hypertension?

Hypertension is the medical term used to refer to consistently elevated blood pressure levels in the arteries. The term translates to "high blood pressure," which describes the condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. This can lead to various health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage over time.

It's important to recognize that hypertension is diagnosed based on specific measurements rather than just experiencing an elevated reading occasionally; it reflects a chronic condition requiring management and monitoring. Understanding this terminology is essential for healthcare professionals as it forms the basis for discussions about cardiovascular health and risk assessment in patients.