What is the medical term for the condition in which blood pressure is consistently too high?

Hypertension is the medical term that specifically denotes a condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure levels. This condition can lead to various health complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, and stroke, making its recognition and management vital in clinical practice. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure in arteries when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (the pressure in arteries when the heart rests between beats). A diagnosis of hypertension generally requires consistent readings showing elevated blood pressure over time.

In contrast, diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose), hyperlipidemia indicates high levels of lipids in the blood, and stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting the necessary oxygen and nutrients. Each of these conditions has distinct definitions and implications, highlighting the specificity of hypertension regarding blood pressure management.