What is the medical term for high blood pressure?

The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. This condition occurs when the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Hypertension is significant because it can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Understanding this term is essential in the medical field, as monitoring and managing blood pressure is a fundamental aspect of patient care.

In contrast, hypotension refers to low blood pressure, which may also cause health issues but is quite different from hypertension. Arrhythmia describes an irregular heartbeat and does not pertain to blood pressure levels. Tachycardia refers specifically to an increased heart rate, which can be a symptom or a consequence of various health conditions but again does not directly relate to high blood pressure. Hence, the choice of hypertension as the correct term for high blood pressure is clear and well-supported by medical definitions.