In the context of high blood pressure, what does the term 'hypertension' refer to?

The term 'hypertension' specifically refers to persistently high blood pressure, indicating that the pressure in the arteries is consistently elevated beyond the normal range. Blood pressure readings are typically expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and categorized based on the systolic and diastolic measurements. When these readings exceed certain thresholds—generally considered to be 130/80 mm Hg or higher—it is classified as hypertension.

Understanding this definition is crucial because hypertension can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Therefore, identifying and managing hypertension is a key component of health care aimed at reducing the risk of these complications. The focus on "persistently high" emphasizes that occasional elevations in blood pressure are not necessarily classified as hypertension; it is the ongoing condition that matters when diagnosing and treating this health issue.