What term is used to refer to high blood pressure?

Hypertension is the medical term used to refer to high blood pressure. It describes a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high, which can lead to various health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems if not managed properly.

Understanding hypertension is crucial for promoting cardiovascular health. Risk factors for hypertension include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake, alcohol consumption, and genetics. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, can help manage and prevent hypertension.

Other terms like hypotension refer to low blood pressure, which is a different condition, while arrhythmia relates to irregular heartbeats, and cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. Each of these terms addresses distinct aspects of cardiovascular health, but hypertension specifically refers to the elevated blood pressure condition.